Have we got it right By Syra Shakir

Have we got it right? By Syra Shakir, Senior Lecturer

Case Studies

An account of Child Sexual Exploitation or of Radicalisation? You decide. . ‘’ He/ She told me we would be together forever’’ ‘’ He/ She promised me a better life if I left my family behind and cut any communication with them’’. ‘’ He/ She said they loved me and would give me whatever I wanted’’. ‘’ He/ She was always there for me when I needed them and I wasn’t lonely anymore’’. ‘’I felt wanted, I felt loved’’. ‘’ I travelled far and away with him/ her’’. ‘’ I had my first child when I was a teenager’’.

Grooming, Exploitation, Radicalisation According to the NSPCC (2019), definitions: Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. • Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked. • Anybody can be a groomer, no matter their age, gender or race. Grooming can take place over a short or long period of time – from weeks to years. Groomers may also build a relationship with the young person's family or friends to make them seem trustworthy or authoritative. Types of grooming • Children and young people can be groomed online, in person or both – by a stranger or someone they know. This could be a family member, a friend or someone who has targeted them – like a teacher, faith group leader or sports coach. When a child is groomed online, groomers may hide who they are by sending photos or videos of other people. Sometimes this'll be of someone younger than them to gain the trust of a "peer". They might target one child online or contact lots of children very quickly and wait for them to respond. Radicalisation • The government's Prevent Duty Guidance (2015) defines radicalisation as "the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups". Extremism ‘’vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. (HM Government Revised th Prevent Duty Guidance 16 July 2015)

The ‘ Vulnerability Assessment Framework- VAF' – 3 Dimensions/ 22 factors (NECTU, North East Counter Terrorism Unit) Engagement Intent Capability Feelings of anger/injustice Feelings of threat/insecurity Need for identity/belonging Need for status Need for excitement/ adventure 6. Dominance and control 7. Susceptibility to indoctrination 8. Political/moral motivation 9. Opportunistic involvement 10. Family/friends support extremism 11. Transitional periods 12. Group influence and control 13. Mental Health 14. Over-identification with group 15. 'Them & Us Thinking' 16. Dehumanisation of enemy 17. Attitudes that justify offending 18. Harmful means to an end 19. Harmful Objectives 20. Knowledge/skills 21. Access to networks/ funding 22. Criminal history 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ( Provided by NECTU, North East Counter Terrorism Unit) 6

Indicators of abuse Health Education Emotional and Behavioural development Family and social relationships Social Presentation Parental capacity Family and environmental factors Housing Income Families social Integration Provided by West Yorkshire Police

Male Under achievement Young Limited Education Average/low intelligence High Unemployment rate Criminality Mental Illness/ learning difficulties Poor social economic areas ( Provided by NECTU, North East Counter Terrorism Unit) Official Sensitive

Exploitation of Children and Young People • Impacts: • • • struggle with trust and be fearful of forming new relationships become isolated from family and friends fail exams or drop out of education become pregnant at a young age experience unemployment have mental health problems make suicide attempts abuse alcohol and drugs take part in criminal behaviour experience homelessness Serious injury or even death