input, which will be included in determining the wording on the final
document released by LLC III, April 16-18, 1999, please contact:
Susan Wright at Kbeaton919@aol.com or 718-383-3318.
DRAFT for LLC III (April 16-18, 1999)
SM vs. Abuse
The following Principles and Guidelines are intended to help law
enforcement and social services professionals understand the difference between abusive
relationships vs. SM. SM is a complex
group of behaviors between consenting adults involving the consensual
exchange of power, and the giving and receiving of intense erotic sensation and/or mental
discipline.
SM includes: "Intimate activities within the scope of consent
that is freely given."
Abuse is: "Acts inflicted on a person without their freely given
consent."
PRINCIPLES
1. The SM-Leather-Fetish communities recognize the phrase "Safe, Sane, Consensual" as the best brief summary of principles guiding SM practices:
2. Safe is being knowledgeable about the techniques and safety concerns involved in what you aredoing.
3. Sane is knowing the difference between fantasy and reality.
4. Consensual
is respecting the limits imposed by each participant. One of the recognized ways to maintain limits is through a
"safeword" which ensures the bottom/submissive can end the activity with a word
or gesture.
GUIDELINES
Consent must be judged by balancing the following criteria for each
encounter at the time the acts occurred:
a) Was consent expressly denied or withdrawn?
b) Were there factors that negated the consent?
c) What is the relationship of the participants?
d) What was the nature of the activity?
e) What was the intent of the accused abuser?
Whether an individuals SM role is top/dominant
or bottom/submissive, they could be suffering abuse if they answer no to any of the
following questions: 1. Are your needs and limits respected? 2. Is your relationship built on honesty, trust, and respect? 3. Are you able to express feelings of guilt or jealousy or unhappiness? 4. Can you function in everyday life? 5. Can you refuse to do illegal activities? 6. Can you insist on safe sex practices? 7. Does the relationship interfere with your interaction with family and friends? 8. Can you
leave the situation without fearing that you will be harmed, or fearing the other
participant(s) will harm themselves? 9. Can you exercise self-determination with money, employment, and life decisions. 10. Do you feel free to
discuss your practices and feelings with anyone you choose? The following resources can tell you more about safe, sane and
consensual sexual expression: Leather Leadership Conference The following resources have been educated about safe, sane and
consensual sexual expression and will not be judgmental about your lifestyle: Kink Aware Professionals The resource for people who are seeking psychotherapeutic, medical,
dental, complementary healing, and legal professionals who are informed about the
diversity of consensual, adult sexuality. Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project Hotline: 212 807-0197 647 Hudson St. New York, NY 10014 |