Consent & Safety
At Dom Groundwork, we believe that all BDSM activities should be founded on clear consent, communication, and safety practices. This page outlines essential principles and resources to help ensure your experiences are safe, consensual, and fulfilling.
The Foundations: SSC and RACK
Two frameworks commonly used in BDSM communities are:
- SSC (Safe, Sane, and Consensual) - All activities should be physically and emotionally safe, undertaken with a sound mind, and with the explicit consent of all involved.
- RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink) - Acknowledges that some activities involve inherent risks, and emphasizes that all participants should be aware of and accept these risks before consenting.
Consent Principles
Consent must be:
- Freely given - Without pressure, manipulation, or coercion
- Reversible - Anyone can change their mind at any time
- Informed - All parties understand what they're agreeing to
- Enthusiastic - Everyone is excited and genuinely wants to participate
- Specific - Consent for one activity doesn't imply consent for others
Safety Practices
- Safewords - Establish clear safewords that immediately pause or stop activities
- Negotiation - Discuss boundaries, desires, and limits before engaging in play
- Aftercare - Plan for physical and emotional care after intense experiences
- Check-ins - Regularly check in with partners during and after activities
Resources for Help
If you experience harm or need support:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ crisis support): 1-866-488-7386
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Local LGBTQ+ community centers often have resources specific to kink-aware support
Remember
You always have the right to revoke consent at any time. Your boundaries and comfort are valid and should be respected. If someone doesn't respect your boundaries, that's not a reflection on you—it's a reflection on them.