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A Note on the Cycle of Violence

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The cycle of violence was originally developed as a model for intimate partner or domestic violence. Over time experts have come to recognize that the cycle of violence applies to almost all forms of violence, including violence that might erupt in harm reduction spaces.

The Cycle of Violence starts with a tension-building phase, followed by explosion, and then a reconciliation phase known as the “honeymoon” phase.

Understanding the cycle of violence in this context is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies and offering support. Recognizing the phases allows you to intervene appropriately at each stage to break the cycle and prevent further abuse.

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. 

Edie Springer’s Worker Stances for Clients Who Use Drugs & Harm Reduction Worker: Best Practices

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Harm reduction immediately resonated for Edie, who was herself a former drug user and methadone patient. Faced with the devastation of HIV’s impact on drug-using communities, Edie fully embraced harm reduction and trained hundreds of harm reduction workers who have carried her legacy with them. She developed these worker stances in 1996 and they have been shared among many of us in the harm reduction community for generations.
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Hacks for Service and Supply Management

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Many of the harm reduction leaders that were interviewed for Space Hacks talked about how critical it is to effectively manage services, supplies, and inventory in order to maintain community tranquility. It may not feel intuitive, but OGs report that ineffective management of supplies is the number one potential flashpoint for escalated situations during harm reduction services.
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