The UK government is taking new steps to address extreme misogyny by treating it as a form of terrorism for the first time. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a review of the counter-terrorism strategy to target violence against women and girls and identify gaps in current legislation. The proposed measures include teachers being legally required to refer pupils suspected of extreme misogyny to the government’s counter-terror programme, Prevent.
Cooper stated that online and street extremism has been on the rise, leading to an increase in radicalization among young people. The Home Office is conducting an analysis to understand extremist trends, disrupt harmful beliefs, and develop a new strategic approach to countering extremism in collaboration with communities.
The review is part of a new counter-extremism strategy set to be unveiled next year. Different categories of extremism, including “incel”, are being closely monitored. Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth highlighted the influence of online figures like Andrew Tate in promoting extreme misogyny, which can lead to radicalization among young men.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has labeled violence against women and girls as a national emergency. Tate, currently facing charges in Romania, has been linked to cases referred to the Prevent programme by schools concerned about his influence. Counter-extremism workers have noted a rise in incidents reflecting Tate’s misogynistic views in educational settings.
The government’s efforts to combat extreme misogyny as a form of terrorism reflect a growing recognition of the impact of online extremism on society. The proposed measures aim to disrupt harmful beliefs and protect vulnerable individuals from radicalization.
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