Hate Group Disengagement/Deradicalization Programs

Programs that help members of violence-prone hate groups who want to disengage develop an exit strategy. Activities might include a mix of education, vocational training, community engagement and public awareness campaigns that are designed to facilitate the move away from extremism. The first step is usually "disengagement", physically leaving the group. This is complicated by research showing that personal experiences such as isolation, anxiety or childhood abuse are typically stepping stones to extremism rather than pre-existing ideological belief, so the pull of the behavioral and social rewards of participating in hate groups needs to be countered. More important is the "deradicalization" stage in which the former member recognizes the falsity of the group's belief system and moves on with his or her life, leaving the radical ideology behind.