Consent is not just a "per-scene" negotiation. In BDSM, many people engage in ongoing **Power Dynamics** or **Dominant/Submissive (D/s) relationships**, where consent is given for a broader set of interactions, often 24/7. This makes consent more complex, but no less important.
Continuous vs. Per-Scene Consent
In a D/s dynamic, a submissive may give a dominant "blanket" consent to make certain decisions for them (e.g., what to wear, when to eat, or to initiate a scene without a formal negotiation). This is not a one-time event; it is an active, living agreement.
- Consent is Active: This type of consent must be actively and enthusiastically maintained. It is the submissive's responsibility to speak up if the dynamic is no longer feeling safe or healthy.
- Consent is Revocable: The "blanket" consent can be revoked *at any time*, for any reason. A D/s relationship is not a contract that signs away a person's autonomy. The safe word is just as valid here as it is in a casual scene.
Check-ins and Re-Negotiation
Because these dynamics are long-term, regular check-ins are vital. What a person consented to six months ago may not be what they want or need today. Healthy D/s relationships involve frequent, out-of-dynamic conversations to:
- Discuss how the dynamic is feeling for both parties.
- Adjust limits or boundaries.
- Talk about new desires or fantasies.
- Re-affirm consent for the relationship to continue.
In any BDSM context, consent is an ongoing conversation built on trust and mutual respect.