Identify the signs of violent extremism

There’s often no single reason why someone might become involved in violent extremism. Often there are big changes in their lives, such as shifts in what they believe, who their friends are, or they may even start breaking the law.

Radicalisation can occur subtly over time or occur rapidly, and is shaped by a person’s particular emotions, experiences, and life circumstances. In most cases, it will not cause serious harm. However, it is concerning when the person supports using fear, terror or violence as a justification for ideological, political or social change.

You might have noticed a concerning change in someone close to you. Maybe they’ve become fixated on a political or religious issue, and their response to that issue doesn’t seem reasonable or healthy.

There’s no single reason why someone might become involved in or support violent extremism, but there are common signs seen in people with violent extremist views.

Some things to look out for include:

Pulling away from their usual activities or friends, or pushing away friends and family that refuse to adopt the person’s violent or extremist views.
Being argumentative and creating tension with family and friends because of their political beliefs.
Joining new groups or spending time with people who share their extreme views (in person or online).

Ideological signs

Adopting an “us versus them” way of thinking, often with clear “enemies.”
Suddenly changing their beliefs.
Pushing a very strict and narrow understanding of a belief.
Using more language that insults or unfairly judges others.
Using hateful language, blaming others, picking an “enemy,” and saying that a particular group is responsible for their problems.
Sympathising or identifying with known violent extremist or terrorist groups.
Justifying aggression and violence towards a particular group.

Online signs

They might become more secretive about their internet use, spend more time online, and look at violent extremist content. This includes:

Reading, seeing, or watching things that encourage violence or other illegal behaviour for a cause.
Finding online instructions or guides on how to make explosives or other ways to commit violence.
Spending more time on extremist forums and message boards.
Agreeing with or connecting to violent extremist ideas and groups and using similar language.
Showing very strong political, ideological, or religious interest, along with growing anger about things they feel are unfair.
Not accepting other people’s views.

Internet use and violent extremism

Online radicalisation is when a person is exposed to increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideas and goals through the internet, especially social media, and then starts to adopt these views.

Becoming very worried about the government and security agencies, and using this distrust to excuse illegal actions, including vandalism, damaging property, trespassing, or taking part in violent protests.
Making threats of violence.

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