The Government’s Prevent Duty Guidance clearly places preventing radicalisation within safeguarding, and with my experience of supporting schools and my college with their understanding of, and compliance with the Duty, it’s clear the education sector rightly sees it as part of its responsibilities.
With any new element adding to the radicalisation mix, it is crucial training is available for the professionals, including identification of signs and indicators of that specific type of abuse.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is the closest relation to radicalisation in the world of abuse and this, from the NSPCC, is key;
‘Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime. Young people often trust their abuser and don't understand that they're being abused. They may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what's happening.’
Prevention has to come much sooner in the process and, as many professionals agree, this is found in education of peace, community cohesion, diversity, and critical thinking.
Action is needed now to also promote a wider awareness and understanding of cultic abuse to enable the safeguarding profession to recalibrate its efforts to tackle radicalisation. Contact us for support and training, we can help.