Countering violent extremism

In Australia, people have the right to have and share their beliefs. This is allowed as long as it follows the law and does not encourage violence.

Violent extremism

Violent extremism is when a person uses violence, or supports violence, to try to achieve a social, political, religious or ideological goal.

Violent extremism can range from supporting violent ideas to encouraging or carrying out violent acts. It can include:

• threatening or hurting people
• damaging property
• terrorism
• some forms of violence between groups in the community.

Violent extremism does not include:

• peaceful protests
• industrial action, such as lawful strikes
• strong opinions or beliefs that do not involve violence.

We work to prevent violent extremism and support people who may be at risk. We can also help people who have already become involved in violent extremist activities.

Signs of violent extremism

Many factors can make someone more vulnerable to violent extremism. These factors can affect people of any:

• age
• background
• religion
• culture
• education level
• social group.

There is no single cause of violent extremism. Each person's situation is different. Because of this, there is no checklist that can clearly identify someone who might be at risk or need some help.

People's behaviour and identity can change for many reasons. For example, teenagers often go through periods of change as they grow and develop. These changes do not always mean there is a problem.

Some signs that a person may be moving towards violent extremism can include:

• becoming more isolated or withdrawn than usual
• looking at or sharing hateful, violent, or extremist content
• spending a lot of time online
• showing more aggression or using more confrontational language
• becoming less accepting of people with different views, backgrounds, or beliefs
• spending a lot of time online.

It is important to remember that these signs do not always mean a person is becoming involved in violent extremism. They may be experiencing other challenges, major life changes, or personal difficulties.

Learn more about the signs of violent extremism.

Help and support if you are worried about yourself or someone else

There is no single reason why someone may become involved in violent extremism. Every person’s experience is different. Help is available.

Step Together

Step Together is a free support service that provides information, advice, and guidance about violent extremism.

The service helps people who are worried about a family member, friend, or someone else they know.

It offers:

• information and advice on the Step Together website
• the Step Together helpline, call 1800 875 204, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• online chat service available through the Step Together contact page.

Step Together can help you:

• learn more about violent extremism
• understand the signs of violent extremism
• find support services
• get advice about what to do next.

The ACT Support and Intervention Program (ACT-SIP)

The ACT Support and Intervention Program (ACT-SIP) helps people who may be at risk of harming themselves or others, or who may support violence for social, political, religious, or ideological reasons.

ACT-SIP helps people move towards safer and more positive choices.

The program does not try to change a person's beliefs. Instead, it helps people find positive ways to deal with challenges and reduce the risk of harm to themselves or others.

ACT-SIP can support people who are:

• starting to show signs that they may be moving towards violent extremism
• at risk of violent extremism
• already involved in violent extremist activities.

How the ACT-SIP works

Experienced ACT Government case workers deliver the program. ACT Policing helps assess referrals to make sure the program is suitable, but police do not manage participants once they join the program unless there are safety concerns.

The program is available to people aged 10 years and older. It is voluntary, and participants can stop taking part at any time. Personal information is protected and handled confidentially.

ACT-SIP works with participants, their families, and support networks to understand their needs and goals.

Each person receives support that is tailored to their situation.

Depending on their needs, ACT-SIP may help a person:

• build positive relationships and support networks
• develop confidence and personal strengths
• access support for mental health and other challenges
• connect with education, training, or employment opportunities
• improve their health and wellbeing
• create a safer and more positive future.

ACT-SIP may also work with schools, health services, community organisations, family members, and other support services when appropriate.

Referrals

If you are worried someone, or are unsure and would like advice, you can call Step Together on 1800 875 204.

Qualified case workers are available Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

You can also contact Step Together through their website.

Step Together may suggest a referral to ACT-SIP if they believe the program could help.

Direct referrals

To make a referral directly to ACT-SIP, call ACT Policing's ACT-SIP team on (02) 5126 9218.

Referrals can be made by:

• community members
• government agencies
• the police.

Once a person joins ACT-SIP, police are generally not involved in their case management unless there are safety concerns.

What we are doing

Preventing violent extremism is everyone’s responsibility. Government agencies, community groups, schools, families, and individuals all have a role to play.

By working together, we can:

• identify risks early
• support people before harm occurs
• build stronger and safer communities
• help people resist extremist messages.

Violent extremism is not limited by state or national borders. We work closely with local organisations, other state and territory governments, and the Australian Government. These partnerships help us share information, learn from each other, and improve our response to violent extremism.

Strong and inclusive communities help keep people safe. Everyone in Canberra should feel respected, connected, and supported. Together, we can help make Canberra a safe place for everyone.

Read Countering Violent Extremism in the ACT: A Strategic Approach to Addressing Violent Extremism. This strategy explains how ACT Government agencies work together to prevent and respond to violent extremism.