EXIT-Germany

EXIT-Germany is an initiative assisting individuals, who want to leave the extreme right-wing movement and start a new life. Being the first to start such an endeavour in Germany, EXIT-Germany constitutes one of the most experienced and successful programs in de-radicalisation and exit-assistance in the world. EXIT-Germany has been continuously working to help individuals from all backgrounds, but mainly from highly radicalised milieus (group leaders, terrorists, party leaders) to leave the movement and to develop methods and programs in the field. EXIT-Germany helps individuals who want to leave the right-wing radical milieu to develop new perspectives outside the right-wing environment. We arrange contacts, provide practical aid and answer questions regarding personal safety, social problems and individual reappraisal. The essential core of EXIT-Germany’s philosophy is that the critical reassessment of the person’s past and the dismantling of the radical ideology are absolutely necessary to leave a radical milieu. EXIT-Germany does not actively search for dropouts; the initiative to leave the scene comes from individuals themselves. Anyone can contact us via phone, e-mail, text message and/or letters. An ‘exit’ is considered completed by us when a critical reflection, reassessment as well as successful challenge of the old ideology have taken place. Thus, ‘exit’ to us means more than simply leaving a party or group. It also goes beyond changing the aesthetics of expression or refraining from violence. An exit is successful when the fundamental ideologies and purposes of the previous actions have been resolved. EXIT-Germany also counsels families affected by right-wing extremism and analyses critical situations. We create new scenarios to make opportunities available and counter helplessness and anxieties. Likewise we help to disentangle family members from the scene. We establish contacts to former right-wing extremists and accompany the process to motivate right-wing adolescents in avoiding or leaving the movement. We counsel and work alongside local teachers, policemen, institutions, individuals and anyone who is in need of advice. We also counsel institutions, communities, governments and individuals in setting up de-radicalisation and disengagement programs and strategies. We’ve worked - nationally and internationally - with smaller municipalities like the county Dahme-Spreewald as well as large cities such as Dortmund. The counselling ranges from individual assessments to formulation and execution of strategies and projects.

Contact details:

Ebertystr.46
10249 Berlin Germany

Dr Bernd Wagner
Email: bernd.wagner@exit-deutschland.de

Fabian Wichmann
Email: fabian.wichmann@exit-deutschland.de

Ulrike Fliess
Email: ulrike.fliess@exit-deutschland.de

Tel: (+49) (0) 30 420 18 690
Tel: (+49) (0) 177 2404806

For more information on this programme, click here, here or here