Non-Ideological Extreme Violence (NIEV) Factsheet & Guidance
The current working policy definition describes NIEV as the use or threat of extreme violence, not driven by a clear ideological purpose, which is communicative in nature and intended to shock, intimidate or outrage the public or a section of the public. The definition provides a conceptual understanding to support policy development; it is not intended to be statutory, legal or operational. There is no single NIEV profile or pathway. NIEV concerns may involve a combination of factors such as intense grievance, hatred of society, violence fascination, personal vulnerabilities, and engagement with online environments that normalise, celebrate or facilitate violence. No single factor should be treated as evidence of risk in isolation. Practitioners should consider how multiple factors interact within the person’s wider circumstances and needs.
The guidance helps partners identify and manage residual safeguarding, vulnerability, violence and public protection concerns through appropriate local arrangements, so that cases do not fall between services or lose clear ownership.