the northwest network of bi, trans, lesbian and gay survivors of abuse

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Note: In an effort to disrupt the idea that only men perpetrate abuse, the pronouns used on this web site and in our literature that refer to perpetrators are predominantly female. Feel free to imagine the information using varied gender pronouns, such as he, ze or s/he.

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If You Think You, or Someone You Love, might be in an abusive relationship, you can call us for support or more information.

 

ARTICLES:


ABUSE IS NOT S/M AND S/M IS NOT ABUSE

Whether you are topping, or bottoming, or both, these are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Is your partner turned on by violating your limits or terms?
  • Does your partner not use a safeword, and then later say you violated his/her limits?
  • Does she claim to know more about your s/m "energy" than you do?
  • Does your partner try to extend a dynamic outside of a scene without your consent?
  • Does your partner expect you to read her mind about what she/he wants?
  • Does your partner refuse to talk about what felt wrong or confusing to you about a scene?
  • Does your partner negotiate while in role when you haven't agreed to that?
  • Do you feel guilty after playing, like you've done something wrong?
  • Do you feel like you're playing because you have to?
  • Does your partner involve others in your scenes without asking?
  • Does your partner say you pushed her/him too far even though you stayed within the limits you negotiated?
  • Does your partner humiliate you by talking about your play in public without your consent?
  • Does your partner use arousal or orgasm as evidence of consent?
  • Do you feel fear or dread about ending a scene or setting a limit?
  • Does she say you're not "real" for wanting to switch or pressure you into switching?
  • Are you confused about when a scene begins and ends?
  • Do you feel that if you could just play better, be hotter or give/take more, everything could be okay?
  • Does you partner use scenes to suppress or cover up anger and frustration?

 

S/M play is consensualAbuse is not consensual
S/M play is negotiated and agreed upon ahead of timeAbuse is not negotiated
S/M has responsible limits and safety rulesAbuse has no rules or limits and there are no safewords
S/M is fun, erotic and lovingAbuse is manipulative, selfish and hurtful
S/M play is enjoyed by bothVictims do not enjoy abuse
S/M play can be stopped by either partner at any timeAbuse cannot be stopped by the victim/survivor
Players exchange power in agreed upon roles with negotiated boundariesAbusers force control using non-consensual manipulation and violence
S/M creates a bond of trustAbuse destroys trust

We can help you make a plan. You can call us for information, support or just to ask questions.
Phone: (206) 568.7777
TTY msg: (206) 517.9670




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