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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. 

Hacks for Community Member Agreements

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Community member agreements are shared agreements regarding behavior expected of everyone who participates in a harm reduction site or service. The primary rule all harm reduction leaders talked about was the need to treat everyone with respect.
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Creating and Defining Community

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Over and over, harm reduction leaders interviewed for Space Hacks centered the creation of community as central to their efforts to create safe, humane harm reduction spaces services that are trauma-informed and minimize the potential for escalated situations.
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