Violence Prevention Network e.V.

Violence Prevention Network is an NGO that works both in prevention and first-line deradicalisation with (young) people that are susceptible to violent rightwing extremism or religious fundamentalism. Violence Prevention Network works in local youth detentions as well as in prisons for youths and adults, and also conducts stabilisation coaching after the participant’s release throughout the country. Violence Prevention Network applies a deradicalisation approach, which combines anti-violence-training with civic education and pedagogical training modules. The training takes place within 5 months during imprisonment and is followed up by coaching after release.

All Violence Prevention Network coaches have many years of relevant work experience with violent youths before joining the team. In addition to their other existing qualifications, every coach is required to take our 12 month long, advanced methodological training course to become an AKT-Trainer® [Antiviolence and Responsibility Trainer].

The low recidivism rate, based on an external independent evaluation throughout the last four years, is a particularly promising aspect of that approach because it prevents new victims and thus saves society high costs.

At present, Violence Prevention Network is developing an approach to specifically involve young right-wing extremist parents of small children in order to deal with their impending disintegration. Furthermore the Violence Prevention Network team offers counselling for parents whose children are at risk – or attracted by the idea - to join a terror training camp or have already joined terrorist groups. We are also engaged in the European Platform of Deradicalising Narratives (EDNA), an internet portal that effectively enhances knowledge, awareness and critical thinking among people in examination of, or dealing with extremism, in particular by letting peer voices speak.
 

Contact details:

Email: cornelia.lotthammer@violence-prevention-network.de