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Distinguishing between BDSM and IPV

Title of Event: Distinguishing between BDSM and IPV
 
Description of Event:
Can you tell the difference between BDSM and intimate partner violence in your client’s lives? Learn to support your kinky clients’ safety.
 
Your client has confided in you about having a sex life that includes controlling behaviors and violent, even degrading language and acts. How do you tell whether they’re a victim of intimate partner violence, or engaging in consensual (if extreme) kink? And– can it be both?
 
Many people who seek out BDSM play or relationships are afraid to share any details about it with their mental health care providers for fear of being judged, misdiagnosed, or treated as if they’re in an abusive situation. You as a clinician need the resources and knowledge to meet them where they are and understand the difference between IPV and kink/BDSM. 
 
Sociologist and certified sex educator Dr. Eli offers this continuing education workshop to give clinicians a detailed overview of the characteristics of kink and how it’s normal, common, and consensual– and contrasts it with the hallmarks of intimate partner violence. You’ll learn:
 
- What BDSM and kink are, and why they’re not inherently harmful
- How to distinguish them from IPV
- How professional diagnoses of kink/paraphilias have changed with the times
- How to determine whether IPV is co-occurring with kink (yes, it CAN be both!)
 
This workshop is for clinicians at all stages of their careers who want a clearer understanding of consensual, risk-aware BDSM practices and relationships to better address their clients’ needs and overcome their own internalized biases and stigmas, as well as to feel confident in identifying and addressing  IPV whether or not it’s occurring within a kink dynamic. There will be time for Q&A and discussions at the end of the session. Give us two hours to challenge and improve the support you offer your kink-inclined clients!
 
Date of Event: March 20, 2024
 
Time of Event: 7:00-9:00 PM
 
Location: Online Synchronous
 
Presenter/Speaker: Dr. Eli Sheff
 
Contact Name: Tamara Pincus
 
Contact Telephone Number: (240) 305-8315
 
 
 
AASECT Approved CEs: 2

Event Knowledge Areas Covered: