In Support of Safe Spaces: how to respond when abuse shows up disguised as BDSM

Presenter: Janet Rose

Saturday 3:30-4:45PM

Sturm Hall 187

Program Description

“Everything we do is based on consent” is how we proudly distinguish kink from abuse. Even so, it doesn’t guarantee that patterns of abuse won’t emerge within the relationship or community. In the past, despite best intentions too often, survivors have had trouble finding accountability either through stigma or victim-blaming narratives.

In this class, we’ll identify the building blocks for a happy, healthy BDSM dynamic. We’ll also distinguish the common areas where abuse creeps in under the cover of a kinky dynamic. We will break down common misconceptions about the community (and intimate partner violence) including how models of intimate partner violence used in social work/ law enforcement can stigma or misapply the nuanced consent that is at the heart of this community’s experiences. Finally, we’ll examine trauma-informed responses that can support safer spaces for all players including recent language in. (“Everything we do is based on consent” is how we proudly distinguish kink from abuse. Even so, it doesn’t guarantee that patterns of abuse won’t emerge within the relationship or community. In the past, despite best intentions too often, survivors have had trouble finding accountability either through stigma or victim-blaming narratives.

In this class, we’ll identify the building blocks for a happy, healthy BDSM dynamic. We’ll also distinguish the common areas where abuse creeps in under the cover of a kinky dynamic. We will break down common misconceptions about the community (and intimate partner violence) including how models of intimate partner violence used in social work/ law enforcement can stigma or misapply the nuanced consent that is at the heart of this community’s experiences. Finally, we’ll examine trauma-informed responses that can support safer spaces for all players including recent language in.

Content warning: general discussions of interpersonal violence, perpetrator behavior, sexual assault, and trauma). general discussions of interpersonal violence, perpetrator behavior, sexual assault, and trauma.

Presenter Bio

Janet K. Rose is a disabled, bisexual, Chicana, heart-centered leadership consultant in Denver. She has been untangling the roots of systemic trauma to create meaningful change locally for over 20 years as a former disability attorney, advocate, and community mediator. She now supports emerging leaders as they leverage their lived experience and hard-earned resilience into community-led solutions. A graduate of DU Law, Janet is excited to return to campus to share her passion for inclusive and compassionate systemic change. She specializes in identifying opportunities for transformation that ensure people encounter more trauma-informed relationships, collective care & justice.

janet.k.rose@gmail.com