Domestic violence is still a problem in many countries, not only for women but men as well. Kink and the alternative lifestyles that embrace a form of violence and power exchange are not abusive. That said it is not impossible for abusers to be attracted to the BDSM lifestyle and for non-consenting situations to arise. It is important to be able to identify the difference and that difference boils down to consent.
Violence, domestic or otherwise, is not always easy to identify clearly. There are some common factors that define what is abuse and can help you identify it.
Violence between partners is often very complicated and full of complex emotions. There is no easy way to define it but no one deserves to suffer unwanted harm.
Consent, communication, negotiation, and agreement are the fundamentals that make BDSM a loving and desirable relationship. It changes acts of violence from rage to celebration and brings a sense of bonding between the two participants. To keep a healthy and positive interaction, keep these considerations in mind
There are a number of supports available for those who are in or recovering from abusive situations. These agencies need your support too. Volunteer your time or money to help those in need. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing abuse please contact someone for support.
Operating 24/7, confidential & free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools & immediate support to enable victims to find safety & live lives free of abuse. Callers to The Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer support, crisis intervention information & referral services in over 170 languages.
The vision of the NLA-International Domestic Violence Project is to create a national and international network to provide information, appropriate referrals, resources, and safe shelters for those in the world community who have been subjected to abusive and violent BDSM relationships and who are seeking a way out of those relationships or who require a more extensive support network than is otherwise available to them.
The vision of NCADV is to create a culture where domestic violence is not tolerated; and where society empowers victims and survivors, and holds abusers accountable.
NCADV is the voice of victims and survivors. We are the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence. We do this by affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive that change.
The Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVA BC) works to coordinate and support the work of victim-serving and other anti-violence programs in British Columbia through the provision of issue-based consultation and analysis, resource development,training, research and education. Our work is guided by respect for difference, human dignity and equality.
Sheltering Wings provides emergency housing for women and children suffering from any form of domestic abuse. We build stable and independent lives through essential programs offered in a supportive and Christ-centered environment.
Since 1977, House of Ruth has provided critical, life-saving, and supportive services to victims of domestic violence. House of Ruth offers many opportunities for you to support the cause to end domestic violence across our communities.
Domestic Abuse Services (Our Lady of Good Counsel Society) is a registered, non-profit organization founded in 1995 within the Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, under the auspices of the Catholic Women’s League. We assist anyone seeking safety or recovery from domestic abuse regardless of religious denomination, race, sex, or creed.
