3 Points on Consent
Here are three points that I have selected from the NCSF page on consent. I highly suggest reading them all to get a better understanding on some talking points for any and all play and activities.
What is consent?
Consent is a clear positive expression of willingness by words or action in the context of all the circumstances. Consent is the mutual creation of agreed “yes”not just the absence of “no.”Consent may be withdrawn at any point, regardless of what has been previously negotiated orally or in writing.
Can someone give consent in advance? What happens if they withdraw consent in the midst of the act?
Even if your activities have been pre-negotiated, anyone can withdraw consent at any time.You do not have to justify or validate the different reasons or need for an end to the activities.
What is the legal difference in using “safe, sane and consensual” versus “RACK” (Risk Aware Consensual Kink)?
“Safe, sane and consensual” is a term developed by the leather community over a period of many decades and is the basis for the BDSM versus Abuse statement. RACK is a more recent term and poses a potential legal problem for those who use this term. If something goes wrong in a scene, use of RACK suggests that one knew that the behavior that they were engaging in was risky, but chose to do it anyway.
National Coalition of Sexual Freedom topic pages
Best Practices to Consent to Kink pamphlet
NCSF Statement on Consent pamphlet
State by State Assault Laws page
Consent for Non-Monogamy pamphlet
