RESOURCES.

Extremism refers to the inclination to adopt extreme positions, whether in political, environmental, or ideological contexts. While not all forms of extremist behavior result in violence, violent extremism occurs when individuals or groups believe that using fear, terror, or violence is justified to bring about ideological, political, or social change, and they act on this belief.

Such actions undermine the fundamental values and principles of the community, and the government strongly condemns all forms of violent extremism.

For more information, download Fact Sheet – What is Terrorism and violent extremism?.

When a person's beliefs move from being relatively conventional to being radical, and they want a drastic change in society, this is known as radicalisation. This is not necessarily a bad thing and does not always mean these people will become violent.

However, it becomes concerning if a person begins to advocate the use of violence to achieve a political, religious or ideological goal.

For more information, download:

• Fact Sheet – What is radicalisation? (172KB PDF)

• Fact Sheet - Understanding the radicalisation process (184KB PDF)

• Fact Sheet - I am worried somebody I know is radicalising what can I do (205KB PDF)

• Booklet – Preventing violent extremism and radicalisation in Australia (5MB PDF)

Most people move away from violent extremist ideologies by themselves but sometimes they need a helping hand. This fact sheet explains the process of disengagement and how to assist.

For more information, download Fact Sheet – Disengagement.

A ‘terrorist act’ is an act, or a threat to commit an act, that is done with the intention to coerce or influence the public or any government by intimidation to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

This factsheet gives you information about what terrorism looks like, terrorist organisations, and Australia's anti-terror laws.

For more information, download Fact Sheet – What you should know about terrorism and voilent extremism

In the course of their work, health professionals may observe early warning signs that an individual may be radicalising to violent extremism, or may be advised of concerns by relatives or friends of an at-risk individual.

The below fact sheets have been developed for a range of health professionals, including nurses, GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. They are designed to provide advice and support, including referral pathways and options to source further information.

• Fact Sheet - Psychiatrists: Understanding radicalisation to violent extremism (566KB PDF)

• Fact Sheet - Psychologists: Understanding radicalisation to violent extremism (663KB PDF)

• Fact Sheet - Doctors: Understanding radicalisation to violent extremism (566KB PDF)

• Fact Sheet - Nurses: Understanding radicalisation to violent extremism (571KB PDF)

• Fact Sheet - Social workers: Understanding radicalisation to violent extremism (566KB PDF)