Introduction to radicalisation and (violent) extremism, and P/CVE

During the presentation they will discuss the following topics:

Intro to radicalisation and (violent) extremism:

• Definitions
• Radicalisation processes
• Push, pull and protective factors

Intro to P/CVE:

• 3 levels of prevention
• Mental health and P/CVE

Presenters: Julia Nowecki & Niv Zonis

Julia Nowecki is a frontline professional specialising in working with (violent) radicalised individuals and those vulnerable to (violent) extremism, with a particular focus on extremism justified by faith. She brings over a decade of experience in youth work, and in training and counselling teachers, social workers, security authorities, and prison and probation services.

Julia holds a master’s degree in Arabic studies, specialising in the History of Islam, Islamist Movements, Cultural Policy, Gender, and Sexuality.

As an employee of the Violence Prevention Network (VPN), Germany’s leading NGO with over 20 years of expertise in preventing and countering violent extremism, Julia is a certified Anti-Violence and Competency Trainer. She has additional qualifications and expertise in trauma-informed pedagogy and diversity-oriented approaches.

For more than five years, Julia has served as the head of the Advice Centre Saxony, where she worked as a practitioner, trainer, and counsellor. In this role, she not only supported individuals but also counselled and trained professionals across various sectors, including schools, ministries, prison and probation services, and law enforcement. Her work focuses on raising awareness about (violent) extremism and discrimination, supporting young people, and creating sustainable systems for prevention and disengagement.

Since autumn 2023, Julia is the director of the VPN Academy, a learning and training platform powered by Violence Prevention Network. The Academy’s mission is to empower professionals across society to effectively address the constantly evolving ideologies of (violent) extremism. Julia facilitates the international adaptation of methods, materials, and approaches developed by VPN, such as Social Diagnostics and tertiary prevention strategies, to diverse contexts around the world.

Niv Zonis is a project manager and training specialist in Violent Prevention Network, and an expert in preventing and countering violent extremism. His professional background is in the realm of formal and non-formal education, and in project management. Niv’s academical background includes a bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies and history, a Master’s degree in Holocaust history, as well as a teaching certification. Both professional and academic backgrounds lead him to harbouring a deep-seated passion for nurturing knowledge and fostering understanding.

Over the course of his career, Niv has amassed a wealth of expertise in project management, education, teaching and curriculum design, honing invaluable skills in instructional planning and delivery. Today, Niv utilises his experience to craft and implement effective training programmes that empower individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge and to support international projects.

As a P/CVE specialist, he supported the Radicalisation Awareness Network, where he worked to foster multi-agency collaborations, spearheading P/CVE work within and adjacent to prison systems and engaging various projects aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism. Other projects Niv was involved with concern multi-agency work in P/CVE, countering antisemitism and other forms of racism and work with religious and political groups and communities.

Moreover, Zonis is part of the VPN Academy, where he is involved in acquiring new training projects, research, content creation and trainings implementation.

For more information and questions, please contact us:

Julia Nowecki julia.nowecki@Violence-prevention-network.de

Niv Zonis niv.zonis@violence-prevention-network.de