This internet-based survey (2014, n=4,598) examined the prevalence, nature, and context of consent violations within BDSM communities, including who is violated, who violates, reporting behaviors, and rates of false accusations.
29% of respondents (1,307/4,503) reported having pre-negotiated limits or safewords violated; 36% reported being touched without permission at a BDSM event; only 2.7% reported violations to police; false accusations were rare (~3% or less across all categories).
Self-selected, internet-based convenience sample recruited through BDSM community networks (88% Caucasian), likely introducing significant selection bias; under-reporting is probable since severely affected individuals may have left online communities; perpetrator accounts are likely under-represented.
Clinicians and community educators should recognize that BDSM community members — especially newcomers, gender minorities, and those with prior trauma — face elevated risk of consent violations and are unlikely to report to police or seek medical care. Connecting patients with specialized victim services (90% found helpful) may be more effective than encouraging police reporting alone.
