Speak Safely NY is an organization focused on violence prevention. Our website offers resources and guidance for helping you talk to friends and loved ones who might be on the path toward extremism. For those at risk of moving toward violence, we offer a highly specialized program that addresses the root causes of hate and violence.

Our program is culturally sensitive and works across a variety of beliefs and ideologies. Prevention starts with helping our participants recognize violence and hate are not solutions. Our specialists empower participants to make positive changes to better their lives.

You can help your friend or loved one by encouraging them to connect with a specialist who can help them move away from hate and violence. We can work with them to build skills and reengage positively.

What you share with us is confidential. We do not share your information without your consent. When you contact us, you will speak to someone with experience helping people make positive life changes. Our program specialists are licensed Social Workers and therapists with expertise in responding to extremism.

However, there are limits to this confidentiality: any specific threats of violence toward yourself, others, or this organization may be shared with law enforcement in order to keep you and the community safe.  

Your privacy is very important to us, and you can access our privacy policy at the bottom of this page.

No, Speak Safely NY is not affiliated with law enforcement. We do not share information with the police and participation in our program does not go on a criminal record.

However, we do have an obligation to report any specific threats of violence made on our platform to law enforcement for the safety of the community.

No one factor can predict violence. Escalating to violence is complex and can happen in many ways.

You can reach out to us to discuss ANY behavior that concerns you.

All conversations are confidential.

A concerning change in behavior may include:

• Increased time spent online

• Becoming more secretive online (for example, using a private browser or deleting search history)

• Withdrawing from friends or family, especially those with differing beliefs

• Arguing with those with differing beliefs

• Admiration, fixation or glorification of a harmful person or cause

• Intensifying interest in firearms, explosives or violence

• Growing fixation on grievances, big or small

• Efforts to obtain firearms or materials to make explosives

• Sharing plans of violence or identifying targets

If you are worried about someone, but do not feel that they pose an imminent risk of violence, you can reach out to us via this website.

If someone you know is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others, please call 911.