The Prevent statutory duty, which came into force on 1 July 2015, has prompted a significant step forward in the delivery of Prevent work across all public sector organisations. Coventry Council engages with local communities, groups and organisations across the City to help safeguard local people from the risks of radicalisation to violent extremism. The range of our work includes supporting local community projects, providing training and awareness around radicalisation and safeguarding those who may be affected.

Prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism.

• 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 extremism but continues to ensure resources and effort are allocated on the basis of the greatest threat to our national security.

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We see British Values as underpinning what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Britain. They allow us to create environments free from discrimination, intolerance and hate. They help us to challenge prejudice and stereotyping, whilst strengthening relationships within the community.

British Values are defined as the following:

Democracy

A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The rule of law

The need for rules to make a happy, safe and secure environment to live and work.

Individual liberty

Protection of your rights and the rights of others around you.

Mutual respect & tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Understanding that we all don’t share the same beliefs and values. Respecting those values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own onto them.

Support and Guidance

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Cyber flashing is when a person is sent an unsolicited sexual image on their device via AirDrop, a file-sharing tool available on iPhones, through Bluetooth, or over wifi.

It often happens in public places – such as trains or on buses – due to the technology’s short-range.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as ‘the act of someone using the internet to send an image of their naked body, especially the genitals (= sexual organs), to someone that they do not know and who has not asked them to do this’.

It is difficult to tell who might be sending an image in a crowded space, as when something is sent to another person’s phone via AirDrop, the receiver sees a preview of the image and the name of the iPhone sender.

If someone’s AirDrop settings are set to ‘Everyone’, it means someone outside of their contacts list can anonymously request to send them a file – and the sender’s identity will also remain anonymous.

What is domestic abuse?

We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behavior, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse.
• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Financial or economic abuse.
• Harassment and stalking.
• Online or digital abuse.

Talking about suicide

There are things we can all do in situations where we are worried about someone who we think may be at risk of suicide. Talking can really make a difference.

Here are some suggestions that can help:

Watch out for signs of distress

It’s important to watch out for signs of distress and changes in behaviour. If you know someone well, you can often tell if they are behaving in a way that may indicate serious distress. For example, they may be withdrawn, appear unusually dishevelled or change how they make financial or personal plans.

It’s ok to ask someone if they’re suicidal

There is evidence that shows if you ask someone if they’re suicidal, it can help protect them.1It’s ok to ask someone, “are you having suicidal thoughts?”. By asking directly about suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel and let them know they are not a burden.

Always listen and take them seriously

If someone does tell you they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. Try to listen in an unhurried way without distractions. You don’t have to be able to solve their problems. The act of listening and being understanding will help. If you can, offer support and encourage them to talk about their feelings.

Arrange to speak to them again

If you can, arrange to speak to them again at a specific time. This will show your ongoing support and will make them feel valued. It also gives them something to look forward to.

Simple actions can help you be there for them

Simple actions can help you be there for someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or recovering from an attempt to take their own life. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing.

Encourage seeking professional support

It’s also important to encourage them to seek professional support and know when to step back to look after themselves.

If you are feeling like ending your life or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress. If you feel affected by the content you have read.

Coventry Local Authority

• Prevent – Manjeet Pangli – manjeet.pangli@coventry.gov.uk
• Safeguarding – 024 7697 5477 or CoventryCSCP@coventry.gov.uk

Warwickshire Local Authority

• Prevent – Geoff Thomas – geoffthomas@warwickshire.gov.uk
• Safeguarding – 01926 410410

Sheffield Local Authority

• Prevent – Prevent@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
• Safeguarding – 0114 273 4855