Risk Terminology

A Brief Dictionary of Risk

With examples as it applies to the kink community

Author’s Note!
Whether or not we are aware of it, risk evaluation is something that we all do every day of our lives. As kink enthusiast, it is even more important to be consciously aware of the risks involved in the activities we undertake. This writing, while not meant to be a comprehensive guide, will hopefully provide you with the vocabulary to talk about risk in a meaningful way.

About this Document:
Each term below (save for RACK which is a term that long predates this document’s origins), includes Commentary from the author, and one or more Examples. All examples are in the form of paired statements. The Risk statement is a potential bad outcome, whereas the However statement is a potential positive outcome or reason why someone would participate in that activity.

Begin Terminology

Risk (As used in this document)

Risk is exposure to the chance of injury or loss.

Commentary:
Those four words: exposure, chance, injury, loss are at the core of understanding risk.

Risk Awareness

Risk Awareness is to be knowledgeable about the chances of injury or loss for a given situation.

Commentary:
As a kink participant, how much you know about the risks of a given scene is hugely important as that knowledge can be used to protect yourself against the possibility of the scene going badly.

Examples:

Risk: Improper use of a fur/faux-fur flogger, such as around the neck area, could lead to the bottom getting hit in the eyes.

However: Proper use of a fur/faux-fur flogger has a very low chance of hurting someone, and can be used as a warm-up, or for sensory play

RACK

An acronym for “Risk Aware Consensual Kink”, which many, the document author included, feel is a more accurate term than the previous “Safe Sane Consensual”.

References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk-aware_consensual_kink

Risk Tolerance | Acceptable Risk

Risk Tolerance or Acceptable Risk is the maximum amount of risk that one is willing to accept or endure.

Commentary:
All activities, even those outside of kink, have some risk involved. Weigh the reward against the chance of injury or loss. This sets the bar for risk tolerance/acceptance.

Examples:
Risk: Fire play has a moderate chance to cause severe burns. However: This type of play can also have a therapeutic or relaxing effect.

Risk: Impact play has a chance to leave severe bruises or cause organ damage. However: The endorphin rush can be joyful or exhilarating.

Risk Mitigation

Risk Mitigation are the steps taken to reduce the chance of injury or loss.

Commentary:
Knowing what could go wrong, and taking steps to avoid those situations can transform a high-risk situation into one that is medium or low risk.

Examples:

Risk: Equipment used in rope suspension can catastrophically fail.

However: Having sufficient padding underneath the participant can reduce the chances of the participant getting hurt.

Risk: Not knowing how to use a single tail can lead to severe injuries such as bleeding, or loss of vision.

However: Attending a class, and practicing on non-living targets, can reduce the chances of the participant getting hurt.

Post Mortem (*BONUS POINTS*)

Post Mortem is the act of examining a situation, and discussing what went wrong, and/or what went right.

Commentary:
Kink scenes can and will go badly. The severity, and frequency are largely dependent on how well the above topics were communicated. Even if a scene has gone without issue, it is important to review what can be done differently to improve future interactions.

Examples:

Risk: During a well-negotiated scene the giver (top) uses language which is problematic for the recipient (bottom). The recipient decides to conclude the scene early. A few days later, the pair discuss what happened, and have chosen to revise their boundaries/limitations for future scenes.

However: Several individuals have concluded a scene which all participants were able to enjoy without issues. During the aftercare, each participant shares their favorite interactions, and have decided to continue trying new things together in the future.

Additional Note from the Author:
The term “Post Mortem” was borrowed from the author’s own work experiences while participating in “incident handling” discussions, and felt like a fun addition despite the morbid/tragic phrasing.

Risk Profile Designer

Instructions

Author’s Note!
This form was originally intended to be used in conjunction with my dungeon safety, and etiquette class “Safety Third!”. It is also possible to use as a standalone document for evaluating and tracking your own Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK).

About this form:
This is not meant to be a “Wishlist” or “Outcomes I want checklist! This is meant to serve as examples of what could happen during different types of kink scenes/play. Let me reiterate: All forms of play have some level of risk to the participants. What you accept is up to you.

Start Here!

Name the Form
The large blank space preceding the ‘s Risk Profile Designer is where YOUR, yes you, the reader’s name goes.

Mood
How are you feeling right now? Don’t overthink this.

Expiration Date
Everyone’s medical health, and kink interests change over time. The expiration date here is to remind you that the information on this form is ephemeral.

Section 1: Medical Information
Check any boxes that apply to you. Elaborate using whitespace provided. Use margins for “Other: _____” if necessary.

Section 2, and Section 3: Visible Marks, Non-Visible Marks
The scale ranges from 1 to 10. Where 1 is considered a “Never Acceptable” and 10 is a “Very acceptable”. Circle/Color/Indicate in some fashion your level of acceptance.

Section 2 & 3 Caveats
These scales/ranges are a very simplified scale. For instance some people might be okay with marks in the “t-shirt area”, meaning anything that can be covered by a t-shirt is okay. Use your best judgement. Also note that re

My Risk Profile Suggests…
This section tries to provide guidance on various types of play. All suggestions are based on a Rank 1 (Never acceptable), and it is up to you to interpret the data accordingly. The Risk comments serve as common examples of what could happen and not what will or should happen.

_____________’s Risk Profile Designer

Today I am feeling: _______________ Expires: ______

Section 1: Medical Information

I have one or more of the following:

• Heart Condition
• Sensitive/Delicate skin
• Injury or other restriction: __________________________
• Medical Implant/Device: __________________________
• Skin Condition/Allergy: __________________________
• None of the Above

Section 2: Visible Marks

Rank 1: Never Acceptable | Rank 10: Very Acceptable

Section 3: Non-Visible Marks

Rank 1: Never Acceptable | Rank 10: Very Acceptable

My Risk Profile Suggests…

!! IMPORTANT NOTE !!
These are *SUGGESTIONS* and should not be taken as medical or legal advice.
Communicate any issues/concerns you have BEFORE initiating a scene/play, even if it seems trivial. All forms of play can be dangerous, being aware makes it safer.

Strong Recommendations:
- Use common sense!
- Consult your doctor(s) regarding any medical conditions you may have. - Do your best to know your own limitations. - Check in with yourself regularly. Your health, interests and tastes will change over time.

SECTION 1 Responses

Heart Condition

Avoid:

• Electrical/Violet wand play.

Risks: Increased chances of triggering cardiac problems. All forms of electricity are
potentially dangerous. Having any voltage run through your body/across your heart could potentially cause a serious medical issue.

Use Caution:

• Rough, or very active/energetic scenes

Risks: Increased heart rate. Treat these types of play/scenes the same way you would treat forms of cardiovascular (cardio) exercise.

Sensitive/Delicate Skin

Avoid

• See Risks

Use Caution:

• Fireplay
• Play Piercing/Needles
• Impact
• Rope

Risks: These types of play have higher chances of leaving marks or damaging your skin. Play piercing/needles especially could result in temporary/permanent scarring.

Injury or Other Physical/Mental Restriction

Avoid:

• Injury/Restriction Dependent

Use Caution:

• Injury/Restriction Dependent

Risks: Many forms of play may result in further damage to an existing injury. People that have some form of physical or mental restriction may experience new injuries/trauma
if those restrictions are not properly communicated.

Medical Implant/Device

Avoid:

• Electrical/Violet Wand

Use Caution:

• Implant/Device Dependant

Risks: Any medical device/implant which is connected to the body can be severely
damaged during scenes/play involving electrical stimulation. People with
pacemakers or other heart-related equipment are especially at risk.

Other forms of medical implants/devices may restrict the types of scenes/play depending on the implant/device.

Skin Condition/Allergy

Avoid:

• Play Piercing/Needles
• Knife play/Sharps
• Blood play

Use Caution:

• Fireplay
• Rope
• Impact

Risks: All types of scenes/play where skin is intentionally/accidentally punctured may result in serious infection or illness or other ailments. Needle and Blood play are considered VERY high risk, and should be negotiated as such.

SECTION 2 Responses

Rank 1: Do not want | Rank 10: Best thing Ever

SECTION 3 Responses

Rank 1: Do not want | Rank 10: Best thing Ever