By Alexander Sievers, Director of INDEX — International Network for Disengagement and Exit

One year has passed since INDEX — International Network for Disengagement and Exit was officially announced in September 2024. On the initiative of Violence Prevention Network in Berlin, 16 founders from 13 countries and three continents were brought together. To make the development process more inclusive, more than 100 practitioners from tertiary prevention worldwide were also consulted through virtual meetings. This first phase laid the foundations for INDEX and created the framework conditions which have allowed it to be needs-oriented and practical from the outset. The great interest shown at the launch made it clear that a global network for disengagement and distancing work is not only desirable but urgently needed.

The motivation behind INDEX is simple: practitioners worldwide are working on the same challenges, but face very different political, institutional and social conditions. While some practitioners have access to a wide range of resources and legal support, others are restricted in their work or experience growing mistrust and stigmatisation. INDEX aims to address this by providing a stable space for collegial exchange, case consultation and joint development.

One hundred practitioners from five continents

In an environment of increasing polarisation, a networked, professionalised response to violence and extremism is essential — not only to strengthen democratic values, but also to provide practical support to people affected by radicalisation. Since its official launch in March 2025, INDEX has grown significantly, today we have almost 100 practitioners from five continents and more than 20 countries. In regular monthly online meetings and case consultations, INDEX practitioners discuss current professional issues, present projects and provide a space for confidential case reflections. These meetings enable the exchange of concrete methods, practical tools and legal experiences, while also promoting trust among colleagues. Many participants report that working in P/CVE was often isolating before; INDEX has created a space for solidarity and professional feedback.

In addition to online exchanges, INDEX is present at international events to raise visibility and develop strategic partnerships. At conferences and expert meetings, we engage in dialogue with stakeholders, civil society organisations and other actors to highlight the importance of global cooperation in disengagement work. The INDEX team attended the Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh (USA) in September 2025 for the second time. These conferences and events open up new opportunities for cooperation, strengthen legitimate practical approaches and create interfaces for joint projects.

The first year has demonstrated that there is much INDEX — International Network for Disengagement and Exit can achieve, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We have built a diverse community that brings together different perspectives and experiences. Our online meetings have produced practical solutions and strengthened professional networking. At the same time, there is a need to develop offerings tailored specifically to regional needs, reduce barriers to participation in the tertiary prevention field, and create opportunities for in-person meetings. Face-to-face meetings and hybrid formats are important because they will allow participants to deepen their mutual trust and provide better opportunities for collaboration. 

New ideas for 2026

Against this backdrop, we are planning further steps to increase INDEX’s offerings starting in 2026. We want to introduce hybrid events to further improve the exchange between experienced and new participants and to provide capacity for peer-to-peer learning, joint case work and capacity building. The INDEX team is also actively exploring ways to offer new online opportunities as well, including supporting interactions between researchers and practitioners. 

INDEX is a network of practitioners designed for practitioners. Its strength lies in combining experiential knowledge, methodological diversity and the will to work together across borders. Working against extremist violence is challenging and often stressful, particularly when approaching the issue from the disengagement and exit perspective; networks like INDEX not only provide an opportunity for practitioners to work together on a highly professional level but also help create feelings of hope and build resilience among these practitioners. We look forward to seeing INDEX — International Network for Disengagement and Exit continue to grow, welcoming new colleagues and working together to strengthen the professionalism of disengagement and exit work worldwide.

We are happy to welcome you or your organisation as new participants. Join us!: https://www.in-dex.org/