Consent Policy

We are dedicated to creating a safe, consensual, and respectful environment for all individuals at Devil Mask Studio. Consent is of paramount importance, and this Consent Policy outlines our commitment to fostering a culture of enthusiastic and informed consent within our studio space.

All Studio events function on a model of affirmative consent – it isn’t enough to not hear no, consent requires a “yes!”

We embrace Planned Parenthood’s FRIES Model:

Consent is:
Freely given. Consenting is a choice you make without pressure, manipulation, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Reversible. Anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime. Even if you’ve done it before, and even if you’re both naked in bed.

Informed. You can only consent to something if you have the full story. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, there isn’t full consent.

Enthusiastic. When it comes to sex, you should only do stuff you WANT to do, not things that you feel you’re expected to do.

Specific. Saying yes to one thing (like going to the bedroom to make out) doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to others (like having sex).

We also believe that consent is omnipresent: Attendees are expected to practice good consent in all of their interactions in this space, inducing photography.

Negotiation: Before engaging in any Shibari activities, participants should engage in a negotiation phase to discuss boundaries, limits, and desires. This negotiation should be clear, respectful, and mutual.

Safe Words or Signals: Participants are encouraged to establish safe words or signals to communicate discomfort, the need for a break, or the withdrawal of consent during an activity. Safe words or signals should be respected immediately. Attendees must negotiate a nonverbal safeword for any activities that may make speaking clearly hard or impossible.

The studio safewords are “red” and “safeword.” If a staff member hears these words and observes play continuing without a check-in, they will intervene to ensure the safety of all parties.

Bodies

• Ask before you touch or engage with anyone (such as a hug)

• Further consent is required before touching people in places that might be sensitive for any reason (such as the face, neck, ears, breasts, underarms, thighs, crotches, feet, etc.)

Belongings

• Ask before you touch anything that is not yours (like toys, gear, rope, clothing, etc.)

Privacy

Once you leave our space, please do not discuss any of the following with anyone who is not here:

• Who you saw here (unless you have the explicit permission of the person you are referring to or being asked about)

• Any activities that occurred

• Personal business, conversations, or experiences

• Personal information (i.e. contact information, legal names, occupations, etc.)

Pictures

• Before taking photos or recordings, active consent must be created between all participants (including people or body parts in the background)

• The purpose of the photos or recordings should be negotiated beforehand (ex. posting to social media, personal archives, etc.)

1. You do not have the right to play with anyone unless you have obtained consent.

2. Consent may be revoked at any time. It may be revoked by any of the people participating, regardless of prior conversations or agreements.

3. Consent means you have asked for and received a clear “YES.”

4. Confirm that “sure,” “okay,” and “I don’t mind” are acceptable responses to a request before proceeding with a thing you want to do.

5. If you aren’t sure if you’re allowed to do something with someone, it is a good sign that it was not clearly negotiated and therefore you do not have their consent for that activity.

6. We do not advocate re-negotiating after play or a lesson has begun. Only proceed with what you negotiated. Wait until next time to negotiate the new thing you want to do.

If your consent is violated, you may want to deal with it in the following ways:

• Loudly exclaim “RED!” in the moment! – this alerts hosts that help is needed

• Report the incident to the host(s) – We will assist and support you as best possible

• We recommend that you write down your experience objectively focusing on observable facts. Since details in the mind can change over time, you should do this as soon after the incident as possible. Having a written account can help hosts, and other support personnel provide you with assistance moving forward.

If you have violated someone’s consent:

The best way to deal with it is to recognize that someone feels their consent has been violated, whether or not you feel you have done so. Sincerely apologize and inquire what the person needs at that time. It’s important to respect and understand that:

• They may want to be left alone.
• They may want to be heard or understood.
• They may need something at a later time.

Things to remember:

• Do your best to remain calm
• Hear the other person; reflect back to them what you are hearing even if you see it differently
• You may also solicit the help of an event host as a third-party mediator or witness to the conversation if that would make you feel more comfortable.

Again, we recommend that you write down your experience objectively focusing on observable facts. Keeping your focus objective vs subjective can help in resolving the situation.

Reporting a Consent Violation: reports may be made to [email protected] – an inbox that only Nora has access to – or via this form. If you would prefer to make your report to a third party, please contact Fuoco, who has agreed to act as a neutral third party.

Responsibility: It is the responsibility of all individuals in the Studio to monitor and uphold the principles of consent. If anyone witnesses or experiences a consent violation, it should be reported promptly to Studio staff or the event host.

Confidentiality: Reports of consent violations will be handled with discretion and confidentiality. Studio staff will work to address the situation appropriately.

Workshops and Resources: The Studio provides educational resources and workshops to help attendees develop a deeper understanding of consent and healthy communication within the context of Shibari activities.

Community Support: Our studio encourages a supportive community where individuals can seek guidance, advice, or support regarding consent-related issues.