Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Harm Reduction in Emergency Women’s Shelters - Implications for Practice: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT This scoping review explored available research focused on ways emergency women’s shelters address substance use issues with survivors of intimate partner violence. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The articles tended to identify more barriers (e.g., concerns about safety of all residents and staff) and fewer facilitators (e.g., clear policies to guide practice) to implementing harm reduction within women’s shelters. Comprehensive training and education about substance use and harm reduction for shelter staff and residents was suggested for successful implementation. More high-quality evidence is needed to understand the viability of implementing harm reduction in emergency women’s shelters.