Mitigating Risk in Bondage
Bondage is the act of restraining someone through the use of rope or similar means.
Common Risks of Bondage:
Circulatory issues
Nerve damage
Constriction
Friction burns
Key Requirements of Bondage:
Cutting tool / EMT scissors
Visual cue and/or verbal safeword
Communication
Things to Consider During Bondage
Stay sober during bondage
It’s a given that safe practices around kink and BDSM shouldn’t involve drugs or alcohol. This is especially prudent during bondage, as a rope bottom’s senses could be dulled, meaning they won’t feel any circulation loss or numbing, and a rope Top could cinch too tightly, or lose coordination. The best advice is to never engage in BDSM under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Decide what kind of bondage you want to try
With different types of bondage available, it’s important that all participants in a scene understand what the desired format is. Restraint bondage is used in a different way to predicament bondage or decorative bondage (shibari). Expecting to have some pretty rope bindings and finding yourself suspended from a hoist are very different experiences!
Start out with basic floor or decorative bondage ties
Both rope Tops and bottoms who are new to bondage need to familiarise themselves with the basics of bondage before attempting suspension. Many experienced rope kinksters will encourage you to create and engage in quite a number of rope 'floor' scenes prior to attempting suspension. As with all kinks, it's easy to get caught in the frenzy, so keep in mind both your own limitations and those of your partner. If suspension is something you're curious about, start with a partial version (one leg tied up) to see how it feels. Then, progress slowly from there.
Use soft rope or leather cuffs for beginner bondage
There are many reputable kink-friendly stores selling bondage supplies, and most will offer ‘beginner’ sets. Jute rope is available in many colours if you’re interested in getting artistic, and leather spreaders, cuffs, and harnesses are great for restraint bondage. The benefit to soft rope is that a bottom can grow comfortable with the feeling of being bound, before progressing to other tactile materials. Leather cuffs are durable, easy to fasten/unfasten, and easy to clean and store away.
Set time limits on how long bindings are left
If you’re restricting blood flow to body parts, it’s important to understand the limits of what the body can handle. Never leave the bindings in place too long, even if the bottom is enjoying themselves. Allow circulation to restore every 20-30 minutes at most.
Never leave the rope bottom unsupervised
If the doorbell goes whilst the bottom is tied in place - ignore it. If your phone rings, and you have to answer it, stay in the room with the bottom. Ensure you have everything in the scene space so that you don’t need to leave the rope bottom tied up alone.
Maintain communication throughout
Checking in during a scene is important. Many rope bottoms will find themselves in a headspace that makes communication more difficult, but maintaining that channel is critical. Check their breathing, check they’re responsive, and check their circulation, comfort, and pain thresholds. Having a squeaky toy or something that’ll make sound if it’s dropped is a good non-verbal communication tool so that a Top knows if the bottom needs to stop.
Stop immediately if any of the following occur:
loss of sensation
loss of colour
numbness
swelling
These considerations are not designed to be advice in how to play safely - they are things to think about prior to engaging in dangerous forms of play.
No matter the precautions you take in this kind of activity, you cannot guarantee the safety of those involved. Approach this form of play with extreme caution.
