Consent in kink practices, particularly those that involve power exchange, is extremely important to ensure safety of participants and manage risks that come along with these activities. Although it may sound like a bit of a mood killer, explicit and informed agreement between participants engaging in certain activities or types of relationships is crucial to the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved. The concept of legal consent has recently attracted a lot of airtime when it comes to intimate activities, but what I will talk about in this piece is largely unrelated to that concept. There are many consent models in kink practices, some which have evolved over time and some which enjoy more popularity than others. Join me for part 1 of a run down of some of the most well known and practiced consent models.

Safe, Sane and Consensual (SSC)

What is SSC?

One of the earliest consent models that is still used is the Safe, Sane and Consensual (SSC) risk management framework. Developed during the 1980s, the name is based on its tenets; that kinky practices are safe, participants are of “sufficiently sound mind” in their practices and that all participants consent. The development of this early model was driven by the issue of stigma surrounding BDSM activities, and the emphasis on the tenets of safety, rationality and consent sought to show laypeople that practitioners were not “crazy” or dangerous. It helped to provide a distinction between BDSM activities and abuse for the general public who do not engage in these activities and may have concerns about them.

Problems with the SSC Model

The problem with this model is probably clear; the focus on “rationality” and “safety” gave fuel to the fire that there are some kinks and activities that are “irrational” and “unsafe.” This further perpetuated stigma towards practices that some people, even within the kink community, are not comfortable with, despite them involving consenting adults.

Woman in a plain white dress sitting in armchair reading a book, reflection in mirror of her in armchair in kink attire looking at herself in the white dress.

Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK)

Why RACK?

Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) is one of the most commonly used consent models. While SSC was developed as a minimum standard for consent and ethical kink practices, RACK emerged after kink practitioners noted its limitations and sought to improve on this model, by more accurately representing the type of kinky practices requiring consent. The developers of this model noted that no activity, kinky or not, is 100% safe and that risk minimisation occurs through study, training, technique and practice.

Components of RACK

RACK, like other consent models, is best thought of as a philosophy guiding kinky practices. Its components are as follows:

• Risk-aware: Participants in the practice are well-informed of the risks involved in participating in the activity

• Consensual: Being aware of the risks, participants of sound mind can give initial consent to engage in the activity

• Kink: the activity being engaged in is classified as kink or “alternative sex”

Personal Responsibility, Informed Consensual Kink (PRICK)

Small cactus with handcuffs and spiked ring around it. Various other kink implements surround the base of the cactus.

Why did PRICK emerge? 

Personal Responsibility, Informed Consensual Kink (PRICK) emerged in the early 2000s following critiques of both SSC and RACK. The major issues in the SSC and RACK frameworks was the use of terms such as “safe” and “sane”, both of which are highly subjective. For example, one person may view skydiving as a “safe” and “sane” activity, whereas another person without the knowledge about the activity or an interest in engaging in it, may view it as the complete opposite. The emphasis in the PRICK model is on personal responsibility of the individuals involved in kinky practices, which is what sets it apart from the other consent frameworks. 

The name PRICK describes the fundamental tenets of the model

• Personal Responsibility 

Every individual involved in a “scene” (a kinky activity that has boundaries both in time, space and what happens in it) or relationship must take ownership of their actions, boundaries and safety. This includes being self-aware of limits, desires, and triggers, ensuring one is prepared by taking necessary precautions and putting safety measures in place and clearly communicating needs, boundaries, and consent.

• Informed

Participants must have comprehensive knowledge about the activity they are engaging in, including the potential risks and physical and emotional consequences of participating. This includes study of the technique and tools to be used, knowing what possible risks are involved and continuous education around the activity ensuring one’s knowledge is current.

• Consensual 

All activities require consent and this consent must be explicit (clearly and specifically given for each activity), informed (the person consenting must have a full understanding of what is involved in the activity) and ongoing (continuously confirmed, and with the option to withdraw consent at any time).

• Kink 

This refers to the diversity of sexual practices that fall outside of conventional norms. In this framework, all these practices are included and accepted if they follow the principles of personal responsibility, being informed and consent.

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During the 2010s, more models were developed, addressing shortfalls people saw in previous models, and addressing gaps that began to emerge when kinky practices became more mainstream with them appearing in popular culture. In my follow up piece on this topic, I will talk about consent frameworks that emerged during this period, and recent models that are gaining popularity within the kink community.

Rem Sequence is an Australian adult content creator, blogger, and internationally published alt model. She has a background in psychology, philosophy and political science and worked in health and sex education, youth work and trauma counselling for almost two decades. Now, she works full time in the adult industry, as well as indulging her passion for arts, writing and music in numerous side projects.