By Evelina Pabricaite,
London Metropolitan University.
The internet plays a key role in radicalisation by connecting like-minded individuals, spreading extremist ideologies, and enabling online recruitment and incitement to real-world violence. This dissertation critically examines the shift of radicalisation from physical to digital spaces, emphasising importance of the social media, the dark web, and algorithmic amplification of extremist content. It explores the psychological models, sociological factors, emotional and behavioural patterns, that make individuals vulnerable in online environments. The study also evaluates UK de-radicalisation initiatives, particularly Prevent and Channel, noting their strengths in early intervention but highlighting their limitations in addressing the complex nature of online radicalisation.
Online radicalisation is identified as a multifaceted problem shaped by psychological, social, and political factors, as well as the decentralised and obscure structure of digital platforms. These dynamics complicate regulation and the detection of extremist content, particularly on platforms valuing anonymity or operating outside traditional oversight.
This literature-based study highlights the interplay between online and offline radicalisation, the challenges of current counter-extremism strategies, and the urgent need for more nuanced, interdisciplinary approaches to prevention and intervention.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16654211
By Vestina Virsilaite,
London Metropolitan University.
The impact of court delays on sexual assault and rape victims the criminal justice system has on the psychological well-being and perceptions of justice is examined in this research. It tackles a significant issue, despite the judicial system’s aim to provide justice, prolonged delays and adversarial procedures contribute to further suffering, deterring survivors from seeking or continuing legal action altogether. A desk-based methodology was employed in this research, involving a critical analysis of existing academic sources, official reports, and publicly available survivor testimonies. The sensitive nature of this study and the ethical concerns surrounding direct engagement with sexual abuse and rape survivors, a secondary data approach was chosen for this research, enabling a thorough examination of judicial delays on survivors. The results reveal that judicial and procedural delays have a major impact on mental discomfort, anxiety and despair. The criminal justice system itself has caused survivors to feel disempowered, re-traumatised, and isolated. Especially those from minority backgrounds, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ communities, who are more affected because of increased social and institutional obstacles. The study unveils the perception of justice not solely in terms of outcome, but also the overall feeling of being valued, believed, and receiving fair treatment. For better outcomes, this research proposes suggestions for an improved judicial system, including increased funding for victim support systems, clearer and more rapid communication between legal figures and survivors, and re-evaluation of adversarial courtroom processes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16649428
By Ilona Serafin,
London Metropolitan University.
This study examines the challenges faced by social workers in the process of identifying at-risk children. While social workers are essential in protecting the most vulnerable children, they face different challenges. This research highlights the systematic, organisational, structural, and personal hurdles that affect the effectiveness of this identification process. This research will investigate and examine significant challenges in the assessment process by analysing serious case studies as secondary analysis. This study emphasises the need for enhanced training, resources, and strategies to improve outcomes. Emphasising recurring primary discussions and the necessity for enhanced policy.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16648388