Explicit Consent in a Shibari Scene

Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. It must always be part of sexual activity. Since Rope Bondage involves vulnerability, there should always be explicit consent in a Shibari scene. Consent requires clear and honest communication. It is important to discuss boundaries and expectations with your partner before any sexual activity.

The practice and concept of consent are what differentiates abuse from BDSM. Consent must be explicit, enthusiastic, clear and free,  without any level of coercion, force, constraint, harassment, intimidation, insistence, pressure, threats, persuasion or surprise. Consent also requires no impaired judgment such as guilt, pride, confusion, subspace, intoxication by alcohol or drugs, or underage. If someone agrees to sexual activity under pressure, intimidation or any of the above, consent is not valid. Keep this in mind.

Explicit consent is very important before any sexual practice, BDSM practice or Shibari. It is important to discuss boundaries and expectations with your partner before engaging in any sexual behaviour, because consent, as well as communication, is what leads you to a healthy and successful scene. It is important to be clear on what you allow and what is not allowed. Provide details and specifics. Consent must be explicit, the absence of a “no” is not a “yes”, a “maybe” is not a “yes”. In explicit consent, a “yes” means “yes”, a “no” means “NO” and a “maybe” is a “NO” until it changes to a “yes”.

Explicit consent in a Shibari scene can also be revoked. Be sure to communicate it very clearly if you are revoking the consent in the middle of a scene. And never go ahead without consent.

Image: La Quarta Corda