People can leave terrorism: a program’s approach to rehabilitation
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Researchers in Australia studied how people disengage from terrorism through the Community Integration Support Program (CISP), established in Victoria in 2010 to rehabilitate individuals involved in Salafi jihadism.
The study included in-depth interviews with 24 CISP participants, most of whom had been convicted of terrorism-related crimes. Investigators found that pathways into and out of terrorism are complex, driven by a mix of factors including ideology, relationships, and unmet needs for belonging and purpose.
Participants did not simply abandon extremist beliefs, but rebuilt their identities by finding new ways to express core values like justice and compassion through community involvement and family commitments. The CISP team, including religious mentors, psychologists, and case managers, supported this process over several years, helping participants reappraise their ideologies and develop humility. The program emphasized building new sources of meaning and purpose, allowing individuals to thrive in healthier social environments.
The researchers observed that lasting change usually took at least three years, requiring consistent commitment from program staff. Participants often struggled with isolation after leaving terrorist groups, making the development of new relationships crucial. One participant explained the program taught him “to pay attention to context…It’s taught me humility.”
