Founded in 2015 EXIT has prevented more attacks then years involved across Australia and whether clients are located interstate, inside maximum security or war zones internationally we have been able to achieve in helping them disengage from the use of violence.
Our central purpose is striving to assist those individuals who have noticed their increase in violence and are now seeking a safe exit away from this, we also collectively work with other organisations to support those wanting to leave groups that are of high demand or using coercive control against their members.
EXIT Australia is a project of the Online Hate Prevention Institute. While reporting to the OHPI board, the EXIT project also maintains it’s own advisory board of experts in the field, who assist in a voluntary capacity.
Contact Us
For any enquiries, regarding preventing / countering violent extremism, suggestions or media and speaking engagements, contact us via email at info@exit.org.au
National Security Hotline
1800 123 400
If it doesn’t add up, speak up.
How EXIT Helps
EXIT provides a safe, confidential and individualised pathway for people seeking support to leave, disengage from, or better understand radicalisation and violent extremism.
Since its establishment, EXIT has supported more than 300 individuals, family members, friends and close contacts seeking assistance in navigating hate, radicalisation, violent extremism and related challenges.
Our multidisciplinary team combines lived experience with professional expertise across psychology, academia, community support and other relevant fields. Through an initial intake and assessment, EXIT identifies the safest and most appropriate pathway of support for individuals, families, friends and other close contacts.
Depending on their needs, we can assist clients with:
- intervention and disengagement support
- therapeutic care
- support for family members and friends
- assistance with adjustment and reintegration into the community
- appropriate legal assistance
- education and ongoing support
- specialist services where additional or more intensive assistance is required
EXIT also works with organisations in Australia and internationally, including not-for-profits, academics and businesses, to contribute to research, education, monitoring and prevention. This work aims to help prevent recruitment, radicalisation and harmful self- or group-conditioning, while developing pathways that support people before situations escalate towards violence or terrorism.
Confidentiality and safety are central to our approach. Client information is treated confidentially, subject only to circumstances where disclosure is required by law or where there is a serious and imminent risk to an individual or others, including circumstances involving self-harm or threats to safety.
Testimonials
“No one was helping me in jail, I didn’t realise I could have a future outside away from the groups, I have a list of goals to make my life better, none of them involve violent extremism.”
– Former Violent Extremist
“Thank you for bringing out family back together. My son since leaving violent extremism has rung his father on Father’s Day, they haven’t talked for years.”
– Mother of Former Violent Extremist
“Thankyou for everything, there was no one else to turn too. He had been involved in hate for years, it is wonderful that he has left hate and started to turn his life around.
You have helped my son and I so much, I have now got a job and am able to support my family allowing me to be free of stress and be there when my son needs me the most”
– Mother of Violent Extremist
Supporting Us
EXIT is a project of the Online Hate Prevention Institute, donations are received by the Online Hate Prevention Fund.
Resources and Partners
The Australian eSafety Commisioner can take reports of violent or extremist material found online. The site includes extensive information on how and where to report restricted or illegal online content, if it is hosted in or viewed from Australia.
The Addressing Violent Extremism and Radicalisation to Terrorism (AVERT) Research Network conducts research into topics related to terrorism, radicalisation, and violent extremism.
The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism is an NGO designed to prevent terrorists and violent extremists from exploiting digital platforms.
Media Coverage
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Families fighting to keep loved ones out of extremist groups struggle to find intervention programs
ABC News recently explored the impact of radicalisation on families, highlighting the vital work of Exit Australia. A branch of the Online Hate Prevention Institute (OHPI), Exit Australia provides a roadmap for individuals looking to leave violent extremist communities. The organisation’s specialised support strategies will be featured on Four Corners this evening as part of…
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Tackling our extremism problem
The sight on the steps of the Victorian Parliament on Saturday, black clad neo-Nazis throwing Hitler salutes over and over for half an hour, as Victoria Police stop by protecting them from on lookers, has shocked the Jewish community. Sometimes it is better to act quietly, to avoid giving the Nazis the attention they crave…
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Wieambilla shootings show conspiracy theorist threat on the rise, experts warn
The Canberra Times interviewed experts on the threat of conspiracy theorists turning to violent extremism.
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The Roundtable: The challenge of being a ‘former’
On ABC Radio National’s The Roundtable, Exit Australia participated in a discussion featuring “formers”—individuals who have successfully left extremist movements. The segment explores the complexities of reconciling with the past and highlights effective strategies for reaching out to those who can still be helped.
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Terror time bomb: the race to defuse Australia’s far-right threat
In the wake of the Christchurch attack, The Guardian investigates the growing threat of white supremicist and far right groups, and the lack of efforts to combat extremism in Australia.
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Live TV interview on Facebook’s efforts to use Exit Australia to combat extremism
Our CEO Dr Andre Oboler was interviewed for ABC news on September 19 about Facebook’s efforts to use Exit Australia to combat extremism.