Dangerous extremist views, cults and high control groups
To maintain a safe and respectful Swinburne community, we want to hear about behaviour or beliefs that may be harmful, coercive or threatening to others — including extremist views, cult recruitment, and high-control group tactics.
Need emergency assistance?
If you or someone you know is hurt or in immediate danger:
- call the emergency services on 000
- call Swinburne Security on 03 9214 3333 for 24-hour assistance including non-life-threatening incidences.
Report it to Safer Community (non-emergency support)
If you, or someone you know, is being affected by inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, Safer Community wants to know. Report an incident online or email safercommunity@swinburne.edu.au.
What is dangerous extremism?
Dangerous extremism is when an individual or group adopts political, social or religious values that are far outside of conventional attitudes. It is characterised by an intolerance of other views, incitement of hatred and division, and rejection of human rights.
It often involves discrimination, harassment and vilification which are unlawful in some instances and go against Swinburne’s policies and procedures. You can read the Discrimination, harassment and vilification factsheet for further information.
Pathway towards dangerous extremism
Individuals and groups can be influenced to support dangerous extremist views. There is no standard pathway, though some common signs include:
Pulling away and increasingly interacting with a secretive and tight-knit network.
Increasingly making discriminatory comments and advocating intolerance towards others.
Using illegal means to promote one’s views.
Recruitment by dangerous extremist groups
Some dangerous extremist groups may present on campus to recruit new members. Online recruitment is also increasing where larger numbers of individuals can be reached via the internet.
As a student, you can be especially vulnerable to being influenced when under stress. It is important to be equally vigilant about the on and offline avenues used to express or promote dangerous extremist views, as they may appear harmless initially.
Implications of becoming part of a dangerous extremist group
Association with a group that adopts concerning extremist views, whether by choice or unknowingly, can have a serious impact on you and those around you. Potential implications include:
Loss of self-worth and independence
Decline in mental health and emotional wellbeing
Deterioration in professional and social relationships
Tunnel vision
Cults and high control groups
Swinburne has many vibrant and legitimate student clubs — including cultural, social, and spiritual groups that offer genuine connection and community. However, some external cults or high-control groups may pose as welcoming or community-oriented groups to recruit students.
These groups don’t usually identify themselves openly. Recruitment often begins with one friendly person approaching a student — typically someone on their own — and striking up a conversation. They may invite you to a casual gathering, meeting, or group event that promises belonging, purpose, spiritual insight or transformation.
While the connection may feel genuine at first, these groups may use secrecy, guilt, manipulation, and isolation to gain and maintain control over members.
They may pressure students to:
Cut off contact with family, friends, or university staff
Attend frequent meetings or events
Give money, disclose personal information, or “prove loyalty”
Hide their involvement or recruit others
Accept the group’s leader or beliefs as absolute
These groups can have serious impacts on students’ mental health, wellbeing, and academic progress. Like extremist groups, they often target people who are feeling isolated, uncertain, or looking for meaning.
What you can do to help
- Keep an eye on friends or others who you think may be susceptible to influence by alarming extremist views or cult recruitment. For example, have they changed their behavioural patterns in their interactions both on and offline?
Talk privately to the person showing signs of being influenced by a dangerous extremist group and ask if they are ok.
Encourage the person to seek help from trusted friends, family and support services.
Encourage the person to research and read up on credible sources of information.
Understand that the person may not be ready to report the concerning extremist or cult-like group.
Provide the person with information on their reporting options.
- If someone is hurt or in immediate danger, call Swinburne Security or Emergency Services for assistance.
Keep a record of the behaviour you or someone you know has experienced including dates, times, places, names or witnesses.
Keep any evidence: for example copies of messages, photos, or online conversations.
Report on campus promotion of dangerous extremist views and cult recruitment to Swinburne Security and Safer Community.
Report online promotion of dangerous extremist views or cult recruitment to the website or social media platform, and Safer Community.
If you are fearful for your safety or feel threatened, report the behaviour to police.
Support services
Safer Community
The Swinburne Student Association offers advice, support, intervention, and risk management for students who experience or witness inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviours on or off campus. You can get in touch with the team by email or via the online reporting form:
Email safercommunity@swin.edu.au
Swinburne Security
Contact campus security services for emergencies on campus or for a security escort.
Call 03 9214 3333
24/7 Student Wellbeing Support Line
If you are in crisis, you can call the Swinburne student wellbeing support line for immediate assistance:
Phone: 1300 854 144
SMS: 04 8888 4145
The support line provides confidential phone support 24 hours Monday – Sunday, including public holidays.
Student Counselling
If you are struggling with a personal, emotional or mental health difficulty, whether related to your studies or your life away from university, counselling may help. Register and make an appointment with Swinburne’s counselling services.
Call 03 9214 8483
Independent Advocacy Service
Swinburne Student Life provides policy advice, support and guidance in academic issues, and advocates for best outcomes in complaints, grievances, appeals and misconduct hearings.
Call 03 9214 5445
Email studentlife@swin.edu.au
Learn more and book an appointment through: ADVOCACY | SSA
AccessAbility
The AccessAbility service advises students who have a disability, medical or mental health condition, or are a primary carer for someone on what reasonable adjustments can be made to ensure equal opportunity to access and participate in their education at Swinburne.
Call 03 9214 5234
Multi Faith Centre
The Multi Faith Centre at the Hawthorn campus provides faith rooms suitable for prayer, meditation and reflection. It can be used for group or individual prayer, or simply serve as a place for quiet thought. This facility is here for people of all faiths or with no faith. We also have Interfaith, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish chaplains at the centre providing spiritual care for all, irrespective of belief.
Police
National emergency response and reporting. In emergencies call 000. Visit www.police.vic.gov.au for more information.
Call 000
Lifeline
For 24/7 phone crisis support call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for more information.
Australian Human Rights Commission
Australian Human Rights Commission investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying based on a person’s sex, disability, race, age and sexuality.
Call 1300 656 419
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
A free service for dispute resolution and information around issues of equal opportunity, racial and religious vilification and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
Call 1300 292 153
Visit www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
eheadspace
eheadspace is a confidential, free and secure space to chat to qualified youth mental health professionals.
eSafety
eSafety offers advice, strategies and support for those experiencing cyberbullying, as well as online reporting.
Call 1800 880 176
Additional support
Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) - This organisation offers resources and support to individuals affected by cults, including information, referrals, and counselling services
Call 0423 332 766
Email info@cifs.org.au
Cult Consulting Australia (CCA) - This organisation offers resources and support to individuals affected by cults and their families, including counselling services, as well as raises awareness by educating professional Australian bodies
Call 03 9523 2299
Email info@cultconsulting.org
Lalich Center's mission is to help survivors of cults and coercive relationships to live meaningful lives by providing resources and support. Visit Lalich Center for further information.
Report it to Safer Community
If you or someone you know has witnessed or is being influenced by dangerous extremist views, Safer Community wants to know. Report an incident online or email safercommunity@swin.edu.au.