Safe, sane and consensual / SSC

SSC stands for “Safe, Sane and Consensual” and is often translated in the BDSM scene as “safe, sane and consensual.” The term describes a basic principle according to which BDSM practices should be carried out as safely as possible, with clear consent and with a reasonable assessment of risks. It serves as an ethical guideline for responsible behavior.

In practice, this means that safety comes first, all participants must agree, and no one should act under alcohol or drugs, or in a state where judgment is significantly impaired. At the same time, “safe” is relative, because not every practice is risk-free; knowledge, communication, boundaries, and aftercare are therefore important. Without consent, it is not BDSM but violence or a criminal offense.