The HARNESS Project

Risk Continuum

Understand risk reduction strategies for a wide range of sexual activities. There's no such thing as zero risk, but you have options.

Select an Activity

Kissing & Touching

Kissing and non-genital touching with skin-to-skin contact

Lower Risk

Associated Risks

  • ⚠HSV (herpes) transmission through oral contact
  • ⚠Minor cuts or abrasions increasing exposure risk

Risk Reduction Strategies

Key Principles

  • 💡Risk is on a spectrum. There's no such thing as perfectly "safe" or "unsafe" - focus on risk reduction strategies that work for you.
  • 🤝Communication matters. Talk openly with your partners about risk, testing status, boundaries, and protection preferences.
  • 🧪Know your status. Regular testing helps you make informed decisions and protects your partners.
  • 🛡️Use barriers. Condoms, dental dams, and other barriers are your best tools for STI/HIV prevention during sex.
  • 🔄Revisit regularly. Your risk assessment may change with new partners, relationship status, or health circumstances.

About the Risk Continuum

The Risk Continuum helps you think through different sexual activities and their associated risks. Rather than labeling activities as "safe" or "unsafe," we recognize that all sexual activities exist on a spectrum of risk.

The key is understanding your own risk tolerance and the risk reduction strategies available to you. You might choose different protection methods depending on:

  • Your relationship status and agreements
  • STI/HIV testing status of all partners
  • Your comfort with different protection methods
  • Your reproductive goals
  • Your personal boundaries and desires

This tool is designed to help you make informed decisions based on accurate information and your own values.