Let’s not brush aside the fact that Shibari IS essentially edge play and very dangerous, there are many risks involved and whilst we can try to mitigate those risks and be as safe as we possibly can, those risks of different degrees will still remain. It’s important to evaluate your own personal risk profile before tying and what every session with different partners will look like as a top or bottom. Risk profiles are a vital element of “RACK” (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) and “P.R.I.C.K.” (Personally Responsibility, Informed, Consensual Kink).

There are many risks involved with this practice, both physical and emotional. But something being risky doesn’t automatically make it bad. It all comes down to what activities you are willing to do even when knowing all the risks involved, and how you are able to control and reduce those risks or take responsibility and act in case of an accident. We encourage you to take the time to establish and update your own personal risk profile and share it clearly and honestly with your partner. If you don’t know the potential outcomes of the activities you engage in, then you are not informed, and cannot give informed consent.

To be risk aware means accepting the risk can happen regardless of someone’s experience level. Here are some factors we recommend you consider before tying, and whilst this list may be informative, reading it does not alleviate your risk… Communication does!

So, you’re at a Peer Rope or a Rope Jam and you’re about to tie with someone for the first time! And you’re wondering how to start? Or perhaps you’re even sat there with someone you have tied with before… asking questions before starting a scene never hurts and circumstances are always changing. Communication is key! Here are 7 questions we’ve put together that we highly recommend kicking your scene off with.

A full statement following concerns from local residents and The Echo newspaper