Many studies have sought to better understand the link between childhood trauma and
vulnerability to involvement in violent extremism; research drawing on the voices,
experiences, and perceptions of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) practitioners, who
work directly with violent extremists in their daily work, remains limited. In order to address
this gap, the present study aims to explore the lived experience of 12 practitioners who work
with young people at risk of becoming involved in violent extremism in various states within …

This policy paper assesses the impact of non-ideological risk factors on radicalisation and
violent extremism, namely mental health and trauma. Although radicalisation is a complex,
individualised and multi-determined process, few studies have examined mental health and
trauma as vulnerability factors for violent extremism. Those that have, have been based in
Western contexts like the US and Europe, while currently, in fragile and conflict affected
states, no studies exist that integrate trauma, mental health and violent behaviour. This is an …