Prevent is about safeguarding and supporting those vulnerable to radicalization. Prevent is 1 of the 4 elements of contest, which is the government’s counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Prevent can be put into 3 stages:

Stage 1: Responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views.

Stage 2: Provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice from support.

Stage 3: Works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health) where there are risks of radicalization that need to deal with.

Who deliver Prevent?

The home office works with local authorities, a wide range of government departments, and community organisations to deliver the prevent strategy. The police also play a significant role in prevent, in much the same way as they do when taking a preventative approach to other crimes.

What measures do Prevent take?

• Supporting people who are at risk of being drawn into terrorist or extremist activity through the channel process.
• Working with and supporting community groups and social enterprise projects who provide services and support to vulnerable people.
• Support local schools, local industry and partner agencies through engagement advice and training.
• Working with faith groups and institutions to assist them in providing support and guidance to people who may be vulnerable.

Main aims

• The main aim of Prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
• At the heart of Prevent is safeguarding children and adults and providing early intervention to protect and divert people away from being drawn into terrorist activity.
• Prevent addresses all forms of terrorism but continues to ensure resources and effort are allocated on the basis of threats to our national security.