Prevent: Public knowledge and interactions
Prevent safeguards people vulnerable to radicalisation. This survey explores knowledge and attitudes towards Prevent, extremism and signs of radicalisation.
Documents
Details
In August 2019 the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism commissioned in-depth surveys to better understand public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around Prevent, and to help ensure that Prevent is as effective, informed and transparent as it can be.
Key Survey Findings
The key survey findings were:
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the Prevent programme was broadly supported across all demographics - 58% of the general public viewed Prevent favourably compared to 8% who viewed it unfavourably
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favourability increased when the work of Prevent was broken down into its specific strands - for example, 74% of the general public viewed Channel early intervention support favourably, compared to 6% who viewed it unfavourably
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Prevent’s safeguarding role, similar to processes that protect people from gangs, substance abuse or child sexual exploitation, was the most selected descriptor of the programme - this was particularly the case amongst respondents in the education and health sectors
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‘professional’ respondents appeared to benefit significantly from training when undertaken; confidence in spotting the signs of radicalisation and in making a referral increased by 20-30% in those that had received training
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as knowledge about Prevent increased, so too did favourability towards the programme, and in turn likelihood that individuals will seek help for someone they are worried about
Methodology
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ICM Unlimited were appointed to conduct two online surveys; a ‘public’ survey, which included booster samples of British Muslims and students (demographics among whom concerns around the policy have historically been expressed), and a ‘professionals’ survey, which included both education and healthcare professions (parts of which sectors are covered by the Prevent Duty)
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in total there were over 2,700 respondents across England and Wales, all of whom were already aware of the Prevent programme
Prevent
Prevent is an early intervention programme, mobilised locally by a range of partners, which protects individuals targeted by terrorist influences by providing local, multi-agency safeguarding support. The type of support available is wide-ranging, and can include help with education or careers advice, dealing with mental or emotional health issues, or digital safety training for parents; it all depends on the individual’s needs.
Anyone can make a referral to Prevent. If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of radicalisation, you can call the police on 101 to get advice or share a concern so that they can get support. Alternatively, you can contact your Local Authority safeguarding team.