Consent FRIES
FRIES is a helpful framework for understanding strong consent:
- Freely Given: Consent is a choice made without pressure, manipulation, or influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Reversible: Anyone can change their mind and stop at any time, even during the act.
- Informed: You know exactly what you are agreeing to, including potential risks.
- Enthusiastic / Engaged: It is active and excited consent, not just a "yes" that feels expected.
- Specific: Consent to one act (for example, kissing) does not mean consent for another (for example, intercourse).
SSC
SSC stands for Safe, Sane, Consensual.
- Safe means engaging in activities that are not a threat to your mental, emotional, or physical health or life, and that do not leave lasting damage.
- Sane means negotiating and engaging in BDSM activities when of sound mind — not intoxicated and not emotionally unfit to make decisions.
- Consensual means everyone involved agrees freely, specifically, and knowingly.
There are grey areas where partners may agree to lasting marks or scars. In those cases, it is especially important to agree on what "safe" means for everyone involved.
RACK
RACK stands for Risk-Aware Consensual Kink.
This acronym highlights the importance of informed consent, especially for activities with higher risk.
- Risk-aware means all parties understand the risks involved, and that no activity is ever 100% safe.
- Consensual means the same strong consent principles apply.
- Kink refers to desires and activities outside the norm.
SSC is usually sufficient for safer types of play, while RACK is especially relevant for riskier activities that require a deeper understanding of potential dangers.