Disclosing and Reporting of Consent Violations Among Kink Practitioners in the United States

Violence Against Women. 2024 May;30(6-7):1453-1476. doi: 10.1177/10778012221145299. Epub 2022 Dec 20.

Abstract

Kink practitioners are marginalized and experience adverse health and social outcomes, which are exacerbated by consent violations. This study aims to understand experiences of reporting consent violations within a kink context. Kink practitioners (N = 2,888) completed a survey focused on consent violations, reporting, and recommendations, with 767 (25.56%) of them reporting consent violations in the kink context. The type of consent violation (sexual assault or kink-related behaviors), disclosure, and reporting significantly differed based on gender, sexual orientation, and injury status, but not age. Additionally, recommended steps included avoidance of police and others in positions of power and increased accountability.

Keywords: alt-sex members; consent violation; kink; reporting consent violation.

MeSH terms

  • Disclosure
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Male
  • Sex Offenses*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • United States