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Hacks for Sexual Assault Disclosures

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Sexual assault is another topic that people will rarely be direct about. Instead, they may talk in euphemisms or even be confused that their experience was consensual when it could not have been, especially for minors.

The fact is that disproportionate numbers of people who struggle with substance use have a history of sexual assault. Because of this, it’s a good idea for your staff to be ready to understand and respond to such disclosures.

In the event that a participant does disclose sexual assault, staff and/or volunteers should first assess for issues of immediate safety and then work with the participant to see what kinds of harm reduction support plan they can make with the person.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Principles of Harm Reduction

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These principles were developed over a period of about four years in the 1990s amid much debate among early harm reductionists, who came to consensus on these enduring principles of harm reduction.
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Hacks for Reaching Affirmation & Accord

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One of the main goals of active listening with an agitated person is reaching affirmation and accord. You are looking to try and find ways to agree with the person who is agitated. Even if you don’t entirely agree with the person, try to find at least a small way in which they may be right, or in which you can be on the same page, or team, with them.
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