The government’s Prevent Strategy recognises that there is no socio-demographic profile of a terrorist in the UK, and no single pathway, leading to terrorism, however, there are certain risk factors which may increase an individual’s vulnerability to radicalisation of all kinds.

Channel is aimed at individuals who may be at most risk. Children, young people and adults can be drawn into violence or be exposed to messages from extreme groups through many different means. These can include; exposure through the influence of family or friends and /or direct contact with extreme groups and organisations or increasingly, through the internet. An adult or young person at risk or vulnerable to radicalisation can thereafter be on a pathway leading to terrorism.

There are many reasons why individuals are vulnerable; their circumstances, experiences or state of mind could have an influence.

Risk factors can include:

• a need to dominate and control others
• a need for identity, meaning and belonging
• having a criminal history
• mental health issues
• being from a vulnerable age group
• having lost interest in friends or activities
• possessing materials or symbols associated with an extremist cause
• being influenced or controlled by a group
• feelings of injustice or having political grievances