Safety in BDSM: Understanding SSC, RACK, and PRICK 

BDSM is a lot of fun, though some of the activities involved are inherently risky. In BDSM, people show vulnerability, trust, and a wide range of emotions can be explored and introduced into the sex scenes that people love. In some cases, people are taken to the edge of their limits. In some activities, there are physical and mental risks. It is important to be aware of these risks and always think about safety as a kinkster. Safety is essential. That said, there are multiple safety philosophies that people can adopt when it comes to BDSM. Being aware of your play partner's philosophy regarding safety can also be impactful. It is essential to talk about boundaries, limits, safety, and more when negotiating scenes. This is true regardless of which safety philosophy you are interested in exploring. Being aware of your risks is essential. 

The three most prominent philosophies found in the BDSM community when it comes to safety are SSC, RACK, and PRICK. People can explore each of these, determining which best applies to their thought processes and philosophies. It is a good plan to be aware of each of them, regardless of which you choose to adopt.

Safe, Sane, and Consensual or SSC

SSC stands for Safe, Sane, and Consensual. This is one of the first safety philosophies adopted by people in the BDSM community. There are three main questions that people ask themselves when adopting this philosophy, though each person will have their own additions depending on their experiences, thoughts, and desires. The first question people ask is, “Is this kinky thing safe to do?” The second is, “Is this kinky thing a sane thing to do?” Finally, is the question, “Does everyone involved consent to this kinky thing?”

Both partners need to agree on what is safe and sane for this philosophy to work. When you and your play partner are on the same page, with similar worldviews on kink, this philosophy works extremely well. When you don’t, however, it can lead to some confusion. Due to this, good communication is essential. There are also other options that you and your partner can explore. In some cases, people may think that SSC is a little too vague.

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink or RACK

Another philosophy that people adopt regarding safety in the BDSM community is Risk Aware Consensual Kink, known as RACK for short. Some people believe that SSC is too vague and confusing in its process, which led to a new safety philosophy being created. Sometimes it is debatable whose version of “safe” or “sane” should be adopted. Some people think certain kink activities are not quite sane, while others think they are perfectly rational. Even with the immense amount of communication, an agreement might not be reached. RACK has a more specific layout, adding more detail to the conversation, and it looks to deal with more of the potential gray areas.

The first part of the philosophy involves being risk-aware. Knowing that both you and the other person are aware of the risk is essential for this philosophy. Many BDSM activities have risks, some more than others. Both people should be able to name said risks and be aware of strategies to prevent them. Being risk-aware, and communicating about the risks, is part of the scene negotiation process. It is up to all people involved to communicate their knowledge about risks, strategies to prevent them, and more.

Another part of this philosophy is consent. Ensure that everyone is on board with what is about to happen, including what you are currently doing. Check in as needed during the scene. Always remember that consent can be revoked at any point in time, whether before the scene or in the scene. Consent is massively important and should be a part of any safety philosophy adopted.

Kink, in the acronym RACK, is the thing, activity, power exchange, scene, or experience that is being partaken in. Whether it is mind fuckery, impact play, roleplay humiliation, penetrative sex, or light and erotic sensation play, being aware of the activities and negotiating them during the scene negotiation part of the experience is important. All involved should be aware of the general themes, specific activities that could come up in the scene, and more.

Personal Responsibility, Informed, Consensual Kink or PRICK

As people looked into their options, some found that they wanted to make it clear that all people in the BDSM community and those doing kink outside of it should take personal responsibility for their BDSM experiences. Being aware that it is your personal responsibility to know and discuss risks, make informed decisions, and make sure people involved are consenting to the sex, whether penetrative or not, is an essential part of this philosophy. Understanding that you are aware of what is about to happen, including the risks, feeds into the informed part of the acronym. Consent is essential, regardless of which philosophy you are choosing to adopt. The idea behind this philosophy is that people need to take personal responsibility for themselves and others and be informed before they should move forward with their consensual kink.

Final Notes

Many people use each of these philosophies, and there are many strong opinions about safety protocols in the BDSM community. Whether you are most interested in SSC, RACK, or PRICK, make sure you are aware of the risks that the BDSM activities you are interested in involve. Scene negotiation is an important part of each of these safety philosophies, as are adhering to limits, boundaries, and communicating additional risks you may have regarding medical conditions, physical conditions, mental needs, and more. Regardless of which you choose, communicate your philosophy with partners, potential partners, and play partners alike.