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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. 

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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Trauma-Informed

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The term “trauma-informed” emerges from a growing understanding of the far reaching ways that trauma impacts health and well-being. Trauma is defined here, in keeping with the scientific literature, as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience(s) that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, and significantly impacts their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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