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Aims and scope

Aims and scope

The Harm Reduction Journal is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes research and commentary on approaches diminishing the harm of stigmatization, marginalization and criminalization of public health, human rights and social justice issues, as well as rebuking the de facto criminalization of marginalized and stigmatized communities. The Harm Reduction Journal has a broad focus and encourages submissions on gambling, alcohol, tobacco, sex work, the internet, human enhancement drugs, psychoactive and addictive substances, incarceration, road trauma, youth, and law enforcement.

We define 'harm reduction' as 'policies and programs which aim to reduce the health, social, and economic costs of this range of behaviors without necessarily reducing the behaviors themselves'. There are various harm reduction strategies, practices and programs that aim to reduce the adverse impact of policies, laws and regulations on both individuals and communities: Harm Reduction Journal seeks to encourage research and commentary on these approaches and their effectiveness.

The journal’s broad focus deliberately encourages a collaborative approach where evidence of effectiveness in historic harm reduction approaches, such as HIV, can be compared with newer areas where problematic policy and criminalization of the above behaviors is still prevalent. We welcome research articles, case studies, methodologies, reviews (including narrative and systematic reviews), meeting reports, perspectives and comments, amongst others across this wide range of issues.

The Editor-in-Chief also invites discussion on other complex issues for which a harm reduction approach is appropriate or should be considered – please contact our editorial office if you have any questions about the suitability of your work.

Contact us

Submission enquiries: candyann.du@springernature.com
General enquiries: info@biomedcentral.com