Safety and Consent

A

Abuse of Power

Abuse of power refers to a situation where one person in a position of authority or influence uses their power to exploit, manipulate, or harm another person, often for personal gain or gratification. This can occur in any relationship, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, or professional settings, and can take many forms, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

Affirmative Consent

Affirmative consent refers to a clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement between participants in a sexual activity, where all parties have explicitly communicated their willingness to engage in each other's company and specific actions. It involves an active and voluntary exchange of "yes" or equivalent signals, rather than relying on assumptions or silence as consent.

Aftercare Kit

An aftercare kit is a collection of resources and tools designed to support individuals in processing their emotions and physical sensations after engaging in intimate activities, such as sex or BDSM play. These kits may include items like comfort drinks, soothing music, or emotional check-in guides to help individuals prioritize their well-being and consent.

Aftercare

Aftercare refers to the emotional support and care provided by one partner to another following a romantic or intimate encounter, particularly in situations where power dynamics are involved, such as BDSM or other non-monogamous relationships. This can include activities like checking in with each other, providing physical comfort, and engaging in conversations about boundaries and consent.

B

Boundaries

Boundaries are the physical, emotional, and mental limits that you set in relationships to protect your wellbeing and communicate your comfort levels around intimacy, touch, communication, and personal space. They help define what behaviors and interactions are acceptable or unacceptable between you and others, serving as essential guidelines for creating healthy, respectful relationships.

Breath-play

Breath play refers to sexual activities that involve intentionally restricting breathing or oxygen intake, typically through choking, suffocation, or strangulation, for the purpose of heightening sexual arousal or sensation. While some people engage in this practice as part of BDSM activities, it's considered an extremely high-risk sexual behavior that can lead to serious injury or death, even when practiced between consenting partners.

C

Child pornography laws

Child pornography laws are legal regulations that criminalize the production, distribution, possession, or viewing of any sexually explicit content involving minors under 18 years old, with violations typically resulting in severe criminal penalties including heavy fines and imprisonment. These laws exist to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, and apply to both digital and physical content.

Coercion

Sexual coercion refers to the use of pressure, manipulation, threats, or emotional tactics to make someone engage in sexual activity when they are unwilling or hesitant, including subtle forms like guilt-tripping, persistent begging, or making someone feel obligated to perform sexual acts. This behavior exists on a spectrum from subtle emotional manipulation to more overt forms of pressure, and while it may not always involve physical force, it's still a form of sexual violence that violates consent and personal boundaries.

Consensual Non-Consent

Consensual non-consent, also known as CNC, is a BDSM practice where participants agree in advance to act out a scenario that appears to be non-consensual. Despite its name, it is a consensual activity where all parties involved have thoroughly discussed and agreed upon boundaries, safe words, and the specific acts that will occur. The practice often involves power exchange dynamics and roleplaying scenarios.

Consent Culture

Consent culture refers to a social environment where asking for and giving consent is normalized and valued, particularly in sexual and romantic contexts. It emphasizes the importance of clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement between all parties involved in any sexual activity or intimate interaction. In a consent culture, the absence of a "no" is not considered consent; instead, an explicit "yes" is required.

Consent Withdrawal

Consent withdrawal refers to the act of revoking or rescinding previously given sexual consent. It's the right of any individual to change their mind about engaging in sexual activity at any point, even if they initially agreed to it. Consent withdrawal can happen before or during sexual activity and should be respected immediately by all parties involved.

Consent

Consent is the freely given agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is an essential concept in sexual interactions that involves clearly communicating intentions, desires, and boundaries. Consent should be affirmative, ongoing, and can be revoked at any time. All parties must have the capacity to consent, which means being of legal age, mentally capable, and not incapacitated by substances or coercion.

E

Emotional Aftercare

Emotional aftercare refers to the process of providing emotional support and comfort to a partner after engaging in intense sexual activities, particularly in BDSM or kink scenarios. It involves creating a safe and nurturing environment to help partners transition back to their everyday mindset and process the experience they've just had.

Enthusiastic Consent

Enthusiastic consent is a model of sexual consent that goes beyond mere agreement or acceptance of sexual activity. It emphasizes that consent should be given freely, enthusiastically, and with clear positive engagement from all parties involved. This concept promotes the idea that sexual interactions should be mutually desired and actively affirmed, rather than just passively accepted or not explicitly refused.

Enthusiastic Participation

Enthusiastic participation refers to a concept in sexual consent where all parties involved not only agree to engage in sexual activity but do so with genuine excitement, desire, and willingness. It goes beyond mere verbal agreement or passive acceptance, emphasizing that true consent involves active, positive engagement from all participants.

G

Grooming

Grooming is a manipulative process where a person, typically an adult, builds a relationship, trust, and emotional connection with another person, often a minor or vulnerable individual, with the intent of sexual exploitation or abuse. The groomer may use various tactics to gain trust, isolate the victim, and gradually introduce sexual content or behavior.

I

Informed Consent

Informed consent is a crucial concept in sexual health and relationships, referring to the voluntary agreement to engage in a sexual activity based on a clear understanding of the facts, implications, and potential consequences. It involves all parties having the capacity to consent, being free from coercion or pressure, and possessing sufficient information about the activity to make an educated decision.

L

Limits (BDSM)

In BDSM, limits refer to the boundaries set by participants regarding what activities they are willing or unwilling to engage in during a scene or relationship. These boundaries are crucial for maintaining consent, safety, and comfort for all involved parties. Limits are typically discussed and agreed upon before any BDSM activities take place.

M

Mandatory Reporting

Mandatory reporting is a legal requirement for certain professionals to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, particularly involving minors or vulnerable adults. In the context of sexual health and education, this often applies to situations where there's suspicion of sexual abuse or exploitation.

N

Negotiation

Negotiation in a sexual context refers to the process of discussing and agreeing upon sexual activities, boundaries, and preferences with a partner or partners before engaging in sexual activity. It involves open communication about desires, limits, and expectations to ensure mutual understanding and consent.

P

Predatory Behavior

Predatory behavior refers to actions or patterns of conduct where an individual exploits, manipulates, or takes advantage of another person for sexual purposes without their consent or by overriding their ability to give informed consent. This behavior is characterized by a power imbalance, where the predator uses various tactics to control, coerce, or deceive their target.

R

Rape Shield Laws

Rape shield laws are legal protections designed to safeguard victims of sexual assault during criminal proceedings. These laws limit the ability of defense attorneys to introduce evidence or cross-examine rape victims about their past sexual behavior or sexual predisposition. The primary purpose is to prevent the defense from using a victim's sexual history to discredit them or suggest that they consented to the assault.

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK)

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) is a philosophical approach to BDSM and kink practices that emphasizes informed consent and risk awareness. It acknowledges that some BDSM activities inherently carry risks, and promotes open communication about these risks between all involved parties. RACK encourages participants to educate themselves about potential hazards, make informed decisions, and take responsibility for their choices in kink activities.

S

Safe Call

A safe call is a prearranged check-in system used to ensure the safety of individuals engaging in potentially risky situations, particularly in the context of sex work or meeting new partners. It involves contacting a trusted friend or colleague at specific times to confirm one's well-being and location.

Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC)

Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) is a guiding principle and ethical framework widely used in BDSM and kink communities. It emphasizes three key aspects of responsible and ethical BDSM practices:

Safe Word

A safe word is a pre-agreed upon word or phrase used in sexual or BDSM contexts to indicate that a participant wants to pause or stop the current activity. It serves as a clear, unambiguous signal that can be used when "no" or "stop" might be part of the roleplay or scene. Safe words are crucial for maintaining consent and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all parties involved.

Safecall

A safecall is a prearranged communication method used to enhance personal safety, particularly in situations involving sex work, BDSM encounters, or meetings with new partners. It typically involves contacting a trusted friend or colleague at specific times to confirm one's well-being. If the call is missed or a distress signal is given, the trusted person knows to take action, such as contacting authorities.

Safeword

A safeword is a predetermined word or phrase used during sexual activities, particularly in BDSM scenarios, to communicate that a participant wants to pause or stop the activity immediately. It serves as a clear, unambiguous signal that consent is being withdrawn or that a physical or emotional limit has been reached.

Sex Offender Registries

Sex offender registries are databases maintained by law enforcement agencies that contain information about individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses. These registries are designed to track the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders and, in many cases, make this information available to the public. The primary purpose of these registries is to enhance public safety by allowing communities to be aware of convicted sex offenders living in their area.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual activity where perpetrators use force, make threats, or take advantage of victims who are unable to give consent. It includes a wide range of actions from unwanted touching to rape. Sexual abuse can occur in various contexts, including within families, relationships, or by strangers, and can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Sexual Assault Hotline

A sexual assault hotline is a confidential telephone service that provides immediate support, information, and resources to individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. These hotlines are typically staffed by trained professionals or volunteers who offer crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance on seeking medical attention, reporting to law enforcement, and accessing counseling services.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. It's a serious crime that violates a person's bodily autonomy and can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on survivors. Sexual assault can include rape, attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, or penetration of the victim's body, also known as rape.

Sexual Boundaries

Sexual boundaries are personal limits and preferences that individuals set regarding their sexual activities, interactions, and experiences. These boundaries define what a person is comfortable with, what they're willing to do, and what they consider off-limits in sexual situations. Establishing and respecting sexual boundaries is crucial for maintaining consent, ensuring safety, and promoting positive sexual experiences.

Sexual Coercion

Sexual coercion refers to the act of using pressure, manipulation, or force to make someone engage in unwanted sexual activity. This can include persistent verbal pressure, emotional manipulation, blackmail, threats, or the use of drugs or alcohol to impair a person's judgment. Sexual coercion exists on a spectrum from subtle emotional pressure to outright physical force.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can occur in various settings, including the workplace, educational institutions, and public spaces. Sexual harassment creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment and can have significant psychological and emotional impacts on the victim.

Somnophilia

Somnophilia is a sexual attraction or arousal to sleeping or unconscious people, or the act of engaging in sexual activity with someone who is asleep. While fantasies about sleep-related sexual activities are relatively common, acting on these desires without explicit prior consent is considered sexual assault and is illegal.

Stealthing

Stealthing is the non-consensual removal or damaging of a condom during sexual intercourse. This act is considered a form of sexual assault as it violates the agreed-upon terms of consensual sex. Stealthing exposes the victim to potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, in heterosexual encounters, unwanted pregnancy.

V

Victim-blaming

Victim-blaming is the act of holding a person partially or entirely responsible for sexual violence, harassment, or assault that was committed against them. This harmful practice shifts the focus away from the perpetrator's actions and onto the victim's behavior, appearance, or choices. Victim-blaming can occur in various contexts, including social interactions, media coverage, and even legal proceedings.