The UK government is set to classify extreme misogyny as a form of terrorism for the first time as part of its counter-terrorism strategy. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a review to address violence against women and girls, identify gaps in legislation, and examine emerging ideologies. Teachers may soon be legally required to refer pupils suspected of extreme misogyny to the counter-terror programme Prevent.
Cooper emphasized the need to address the rise of online extremism, which has led to the radicalization of young people. The goal is to disrupt and divert individuals away from harmful beliefs and violence. The review is expected to be completed this autumn as part of a new counter-extremism strategy to be unveiled next year.
The Home Office has identified categories of extremism, including “incel,” a subculture that promotes a misogynistic worldview. Senior police officers have raised concerns about online influencers like Andrew Tate radicalizing young men into extreme misogyny. There have been reports of cases referred to Prevent by schools due to concerns about Tate’s influence.
Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, national lead for policing violence against women and girls, highlighted the need for the Online Safety Act to go further to protect children. She emphasized the importance of addressing the radicalization of young people online, particularly by individuals like Tate.
Overall, the government’s efforts to address extreme misogyny as a form of terrorism aim to crack down on harmful beliefs and violence, potentially with new legislative measures to protect against the influence of online extremists like Tate.
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