CVE outcomes
Example outcomes for CVE based on Commonwealth government frameworks.
What is an outcome?
An outcome is the expected consequence of a program. This could include changes in participants’:
- knowledge
- behaviour
- skills
- status
- level of functioning
as a result of the program. Outcomes should indicate who the activity is aimed at, and how they are affected by the program.
The following high-level outcomes for countering violent extremism programs are based on outcomes frameworks developed by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.
Resilience: communities and individuals are resilient to violent extremism
Diversion: at-risk individuals are diverted away from violent extremism
Disengagement: violent extremists are disengaged from violent extremism
Capability: capability in government, communities and the non-government sector to respond to violent extremism is improved.
Resilience
Communities and individuals are resilient to violent extremism.
1.1 Individuals are resilient to the personal factors that lead to violent extremism
Build individual resilience and self-confidence. Increase protective factors against an individual’s radicalisation to violent extremism.
Individuals are likely to be more resilient against negative anti-social influences that may lead them down a pathway of radicalisation if they:
- feel a strong sense of worth
- are well-connected to society (positive relationships with family and friends)
A lack of this sense of belonging and connectedness to social institutions such as schools can result in individuals seeking alternative avenues to develop a sense of identity.
A CVE program may aim to:
- improve self-efficacy (capacity to cope),
- increase the level of connectedness an individual feels towards their local community, or
- encourage positive behaviours and attitudes towards the:
- self
- local community
- wider Australian community.
1.2 Environmental or community conditions that are conducive to violent extremism are reduced to levels that minimise violent extremism behaviour
- level of engagement
- feelings of connectedness
- commitment towards mainstream society
- degree of social support.
This outcome can also refer to:
- a lack of access to resources and opportunities that would allow participation in mainstream society
- whether people perceive themselves to experience this lack of access.
1.3 Individuals that move down the path to violent extremism experience protective factors in their communities that may insulate them from risk factors
This outcome is about building resilience and capacity within a community around issues relevant to CVE.
The basic assumption is that cohesive communities are resilient against violent extremist influences. This is because people in these communities feel a greater sense of belonging and acceptance.
Low levels of trust in government can see people becoming disengaged.
CVE programs may aim to build social cohesion or community capacity. This can be at an individual level or for certain population groups and neighbourhoods.
1.4 Vulnerability of individuals to violent extremist ideologies is reduced
CVE programs may aim to address the ideologies that underpin the anti-Western rhetoric and messaging that violent extremist groups use to justify their actions.
They may also aim to address broader social issues such as poor inter-communal relations, or negative racial or other stereotypes, which may be pre-conditions for radicalisation.
Extremist messaging can come from many sources, including social media.
1.5 Opportunities for violent extremist recruitment are reduced
Diversion
Diverting at-risk individuals away from violent extremism.
2.1 Individuals at risk of becoming violent extremists are identified
To divert individuals at risk of becoming violent extremists and to ensure they do not engage in violence, the community needs to have both capacity and motivation to identify and report individuals at risk.
To be able to do this, the community needs to be aware of violent extremism and related issues and be willing to report suspicious behaviour and voice concerns.
2.2 NGOs, communities and influencers (families, friends etc.) help divert individuals at risk
Community members' awareness and knowledge of violent extremism and CVE-related programs is important. It helps them understand how they can best assist in tackling violent extremism.
A willingness to challenge radical extremist views is important. This links to a willingness to support diversity within a community.
2.3 Front-line government services identify and refer cases to divert them from violent extremism
Identify if there are gaps in support for individuals or groups at risk of radicalisation through understanding:
- the types of diversion-related services available
- their locations,
- and which groups they target
Measuring referrals assesses the level of demand and is also an indicator of public awareness.
2.4 Individuals at risk of becoming violent extremists have access to and use programs and services that divert them away from violent extremism
- participation and completion rates
- the nature of that participation. For example, highly engaged participants vs passive participants.
Intervention services could include a range of help. Some of which could be CVE-specific, while other services may be more generic and part of a mix of approaches.
Capabilities to deliver interventions cover funding, staffing levels, current demands for existing services and the skills and experience of staff.
Disengagement
Disengaging violent extremists from violent extremism.
3.1 Individuals formally assessed as being violent extremists, and who may be the subjects of criminal charges, are rehabilitated
Programs targeting convicted terrorists or radicalised offenders should aim for rehabilitation and reintegration.
The provision of services can be in custody and in the community. Programs may be CVE-specific and non-CVE specific.
Willing participation is essential to the success of intervention programs. Rehabilitation and reintegration cover several measures of success.
3.2 Individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences, and other violent extremist inmates, are disengaged, rehabilitated and reintegrated into the community post release
- charged for a terrorist offence or
- identified as at risk of radicalisation due to certain behaviours or associates.
Peers and associates can have a negative influence on behaviour. This can reinforce personal grievances and an extremist ideology after release.
Capability
Improving capability in NSW government, communities and the non-government sector to respond to violent extremism.
4.1 Government agencies and CVE stakeholders have sound understanding of violent extremism and the current threat environment
This outcome is about program design and implementation. It covers organisational capacity to deliver CVE programs.
Agencies should understand the various drivers of violent extremism. Their service must address a mix of risk factors for radicalising to extremism.
How an agency understands violent extremism and CVE impacts their commitment and capacity to deliver initiatives.
4.2 Robust CVE policy development, governance, advice, reporting and evaluation
This outcome is about assessing the total number of CVE programs, based on key principles of evidence-based policy and practice.
This includes:
- using research evidence to inform policy and practice within an organisation
- including stakeholder perspectives in decision-making
- understanding what ‘works’ for your service users or program target groups (e.g. evaluating programs or services)
- using research evidence related to the delivery of initiatives to similar target groups.
4.3 Agencies and jurisdictions have effective CVE information sharing and collaboration, and with international partners
It includes opportunities for knowledge sharing between policymakers and external experts, such as:
- facilitating forums
- workshops
- seminars
- conferences
- knowledge infrastructure that makes research and evaluation reports available.
4.4 Robust networks, partnerships and engagement exist between governments and communities in support of CVE efforts
Networks, agencies and stakeholders work together to support government and communities in delivering CVE programs.
CVE interventions rely on partnership approaches. This is because no one agency or group will be able to address the causes of violent extremism on their own.
Robust networks and partnerships are relevant to the capacity to tackle violent extremism.
4.5 Effective, coordinated and consistent public CVE messaging
Agencies working together to counter violent extremism need to communicate a clear and consistent message.
Agencies need to deliver a clear and consistent message around CVE policy.
For CVE messaging to have an influence, the mode of message delivery must be relevant. That is, the language and content need to be relevant to the target audience.
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