Radicalisation is the process of when a person, often young people come to support or be involved in groups with extremist ideologies/beliefs. It can result in the person being drawn into acts of terrorism which is why radicalisation is a form of harm.
A lot of radicalisation happens online, schools and youth groups are other locations it can happen. The process of radicalisation could involve being groomed, exploitation of a person, psychological manipulation, exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information or the threat of physical harm of death.
Anyone can be radicalised but the factors that can make someone more vulnerable such as someone who can be easily influenced, someone with low self-esteem, someone who feels isolated, someone feeling discriminated against, having a strong need of belonging or experiencing grief for a loved one.
Signs of radicalisation.
- Spending increasing amounts of time talking to people with extreme views. Both online and offline.
- Changes to their style of dress or personal appearance.
- Losing interest in friends and activities that are not associated with the extremist ideology.
- Having material or symbols associated with an extreme cause.
- Unwillingness to discuss views.
- A sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
- Increased levels of anger
- Use of them and us language.
If someone is at risk of radicalisation you can refer to the Channel Panel programme. Channel is a multi-agency safeguarding approach to identify and provide support to individuals who are at risk of being drawn into terrorism by identifying individuals at risk and developing a support plan for the individual.
Channel Panel 01706 922927
Refer someone at risk of radicalisation | Rochdale Borough Council
Other national services.
National
Anti-Terrorism Police Hotline – 0800 789 321
Radicalisation Helpline – 0808 800 5000
Report online - Report possible terrorist or extremist activity – Action Counters Terrorism