Sexual Violence and Nonconsensual Experiences Among Alt-Sex Communities' Members. Issue 23 (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wright, Susan; Bowling, Jessamyn; McCabe, Sean; Benson, James Kevin; Stambaugh, Russell; Cramer, Robert J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of interpersonal violence. Volume 37:Issue 23/24(2022)
• Page Start: NP21800
• Page End: NP21825
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: consent violation -- kink -- bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism and masochism -- polyamory -- sexual assault; Violence -- Periodicals; Sex crimes -- Periodicals; Violence -- Périodiques; Crimes sexuels -- Périodiques; 364.15
• DOI: 10.1177/08862605211062999
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-2605

Abstract

Background: As behaviors, alternative sexual (alt-sex) (i.e., kink, bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism, consensual non-monogamy, swinging, leather, and fetish practices) practitioners often emphasize that consent and boundaries are key elements of alt-sex activities. Despite these emphases, individuals experience consent violations and sexual assault both prior to engaging and during their involvement in alt-sex activities. Purpose: This study examines alt-sex practitioners' sexual assault and nonconsensual experiences in order to highlight potential means of intervention and prevention, as well as inform clinical and legal professionals. Methods: In collaboration with the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, this study uses an international survey of adults in alt-sex communities ( N = 2996) to examine sexual assault and nonconsensual experiences both within and outside of alt-sex contexts. Results: We found a lower rate of consent violations in the alt-sex community (26%) compared to sexual assault as an adult outside of alt-sex contexts (34%) and sexual assault as a minor (40%). We found significant differences by groups in sexual assault as a minor (gender, sexual orientation, age, and live in the US or not), sexual assault outside of alt-sex contexts (gender, sexual orientation, and age), nonconsensual experiences in alt-sex contexts (gender, sexual orientation, age, and race), receiving nonconsensual touch in alt-sex contexts (gender, sexual orientation, and age), giving nonconsensual touch in alt-sex contexts (sexual orientation, age, living in the US or not, and race), and being falsely accused of nonconsensual touching in alt-sex contexts (gender, age, and living in the US or not). Within the most recent consent violation, the most common behaviors were non-kink related, except for lack of aftercare. Nearly 40% of participants reported the reasons for their most recent consent violation in alt-sex contexts were being selfish or caught up in the moment. Implications: Focused interventions are needed to address how different populations are experiencing assault and violations in alt-sex contexts.