The British government plans to identify and tackle extreme misogyny in the same way it does Islamist and far-right extremism, The Telegraph reported, citing sources. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a thorough overhaul of the UK’s counter-extremism strategy to plug gaps in the government’s stance and curb rampant crime against women.

Governments have failed to combat the rise of extremism over the years. There has been a huge increase in radicalisation of young people on the internet, says Yvette Cooper.

“For far too long, governments have failed to tackle the rise of extremism online and on our streets, and we have seen the number of young people becoming radicalised online increase. Hateful propaganda of all kinds is tearing and fraying the very fabric of our communities and our democracy,” Telegraph quoted Cooper as saying.

What does it mean for Britain that extreme misogyny is classified as terrorism?

If the government’s plan is implemented, teachers and health professionals would be legally obliged to identify people displaying behaviour and perceptions reminiscent of extreme misogyny and refer them to Prevent, the UK government’s counter-terrorism programme.

The government’s move to treat extreme misogyny as terrorism comes amid warnings that misogynistic influencers are radicalising teenagers online, according to The Telegraph.

According to Prevent’s guidelines, Prevent’s aim is to “prevent people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent also supports the rehabilitation and exit of those already involved in terrorist activities.”

Teachers, health professionals and local authority staff are required by law to refer people to the programme if they believe a person is at risk of radicalisation. Referred people are then investigated by their local authorities and the police for further action.

Violence against women is a national threat

The government’s plan to rethink its plan to tackle extreme misogyny comes amid rising cases of violence against women in the country. Earlier, Sir Mark Rowley, the chief constable of the Metropolitan Police, had argued for violence against women to be treated as a threat to national security.

A report by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) expresses concern about the alarming cases of violence against women. The report calls for an overhaul of the way such crimes are punished in the country.