First Steps: Reaching Consensus on Understanding Violent Radicalisation and Utilising Participatory Approaches for Prevention

The chapter points out the reasons why it is crucial to frame violent radicalisation through a shared definition of this issue among professionals, working with minors and young adults under criminal proceeding, and involved stakeholders. Since the prevention of violent radicalisation is most effective at the local level, this suggests that the context should be valued, and this is the bedrock of community-based prevention approach. The chapter also emphasises the importance of needs analysis and stakeholder analysis. In fact, a first step for the prevention of violent radicalisation is the analysis of professionals and stakeholders’ needs for collecting and, then, setting priorities. Furthermore, through stakeholder analysis, it is possible not only to identify stakeholders at many levels but also to clarify the role of each stakeholder, their influence and readiness. Finally, the chapter stresses how the prevention of violent radicalisation may be achieved through a multiagency approach that ensures the support of different organisations and authorities to people at risk.