Quick Exit

Radicalisation

What does radicalisation mean? 

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism. 

Terrorism is an action that endangers or causes serious violence, damage or disruption with the intention of influencing the Government or intimidating the public, to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.      

Am I being radicalised?

Finding that your views are changing can be normal. And it’s OK to make new friends or spend time with different people. But if these things are making you change your behaviour and how you treat others, it could mean you’re being radicalised.

When you’re being radicalised it can be hard to know who to trust. It can help to ask yourself questions like:

  • do I only see or read info that I already agree with?
  • do I get angry or defensive if someone questions what I think?
  • am I being pressured to change my opinions or beliefs?
  • are people promising me that they can make me important or put me in control as long as I do what they say?
  • do I feel like I want control even it means doing something harmful?
  • do I agree with the things extremist groups are saying or doing?
  • do I or the people around me feel hate or anger towards certain people or groups - and want to hurt them or get revenge?
  • do I think the way to change the world is by using violence or doing something illegal or dangerous?

It’s not always easy to tell if you’re being radicalised. It could be that you feel some of these things and it's just part of changing your views. But if you’ve answered yes or maybe to any of these questions it could also mean that you're at risk.

I’m worried about someone who might be being radicalised?

Signs that someone might be being radicalised could be:

Emotional

Short tempered
Angry
New found arrogance
Withdrawn
Depressed
Often Crying 

Verbal 

They become fixated on a subject
Closed to new ideas or conversations
Change in language or words
Asking inappropriate questions
Develop a scripted speech
Saying inappropriate things such as a call to action against particular groups 

Physical / Circumstantial 

Tattoos / Drawings
Extended use of internet or new found use of
Changes in routine
New circle of friends
Absent from usual meetings, gatherings, family activity
General change in appearance

What to do if you have a concern?

If you have a concern that you or a person you know may be at risk of radicalisation or engaged in extremist behaviour then contact the Adult Social Care First Response Team on 01925 443322 or Outside of office hours ring us on 01925 444400.

If you or someone else is in immediate harm or danger this matter should be reported to the police immediately by dialling 999. You can also contact your local police or dial 101 (the non-emergency number). They can talk to you in confidence about your concerns and help you gain access to support and advice. 

Further Information 

Advice for the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack. 

National Counter Terrorism Security Office 

Reporting internet terrorist or extremist related information

To report online material that promotes terrorism or extremism go to:

https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

Counter Terrorism Policing Helpful Advice - This document is intended to assist you to identify and respond to Suspicious behaviour, identify and deal with suspicious Items and respond to a firearms or weapons attack. You can also visit

GOV.UK/nactsoCounter Terrorism Policing - helpful advice (178.2 KB)

Radicalism text image

Extremism text on a bit of cardboard being held in raised hand

hate written on a computer keyboard

Artist mannequin with hands raised in air inciting a group of mannequins