# Consent Policy - Velvett

**Last updated: January 16, 2025**

## 1. Introduction

This Consent Policy explains how Velvett approaches consent across every interaction between users — and especially within Spicy mode (BDSM / kink) and dating in general.

## 2. Core Principles

### 2.1 Explicit Consent
- Consent must be clear and explicit
- "No" always means "no"
- The absence of "no" never means "yes"
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time

### 2.2 Informed Consent
- Everyone must understand what they are consenting to
- Risks and implications must be explained clearly
- Information must be accessible and understandable
- Questions are encouraged and welcomed

### 2.3 Voluntary Consent
- Consent must be given freely, without pressure
- No coercion, manipulation or intimidation
- No consent under the influence of substances
- Limits and refusals must be respected

## 3. Consent in Classic Mode

### 3.1 First Interactions
- Respect personal limits from the very first message
- No pressure for immediate meetings
- Respect everyone's pace
- Communicate intentions clearly

### 3.2 Building Relationships
- Consent for every step of the relationship
- Regularly check the other person's comfort
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues
- Allow space to step back

### 3.3 Intimacy and Sexuality
- Explicit consent before any intimate activity
- Respect personal limits
- Open communication about preferences
- Stop immediately if consent is withdrawn

## 4. Consent in Spicy Mode (BDSM / Kink)

### 4.1 SSC Principles (Safe, Sane, Consensual)

#### Safe
- Every activity must be physically and emotionally safe
- Familiarity with techniques and risks
- Appropriate, good-condition equipment
- A clear emergency plan

#### Sane
- Activities take place in a clear state of mind
- No activities under the influence of substances
- Awareness of consequences
- Activities that are socially acceptable in context

#### Consensual
- Explicit, informed consent
- Clear communication of limits
- Refusals and stops are respected
- Consent can be withdrawn at any moment

### 4.2 RACK Principles (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink)

#### Risk-Aware
- Clear understanding of the risks involved
- Discussion of potential dangers beforehand
- Risk mitigation and safety measures
- Emergency planning

#### Consensual
- Consent given with full awareness of the risks
- Ongoing communication during activities
- Respect for the limits set
- Immediate stop when needed

### 4.3 Communication and Negotiation

#### Before any activity
- Detailed discussion of preferences and limits
- Setting safewords
- Defining stop signals
- Planning the activity and its duration

#### During the activity
- Regular consent check-ins
- Attention to non-verbal cues
- Immediate respect for safewords
- Continuous, open communication

#### After the activity
- Debrief and aftercare
- Discuss the experience
- Check on emotional well-being
- Adjust limits if needed

## 5. Safewords and Signals

### 5.1 Safeword System
- **Green:** all is well, keep going
- **Yellow:** slow down or adjust, but continue
- **Red:** stop everything immediately
- **Custom safeword:** a word agreed beforehand

### 5.2 Non-Verbal Signals
- Respect stop gestures
- Watch breathing patterns
- Observe facial expressions
- Respond to flinching or pulling away

### 5.3 Ongoing Communication
- Regular comfort check-ins
- Encourage people to voice their needs
- Create a safe space to speak
- Validate feelings and experiences

## 6. Limits and Boundaries

### 6.1 Types of Limits
- **Hard limits:** strictly non-negotiable
- **Soft limits:** can be explored cautiously
- **Temporary limits:** may change with context
- **Emotional limits:** tied to psychological well-being

### 6.2 Respecting Limits
- No pressure to push past limits
- Immediate respect for refusals
- No aggressive negotiation
- Recognise that limits can evolve

### 6.3 Evolving Limits
- Limits can change over time
- Renegotiation is required for any change
- The current limits must be respected
- Open communication on how they evolve

## 7. Consent and Age

### 7.1 Legal Age
- Every user must be 18 or older
- Age is verified at sign-up
- No exception for minors
- Profiles of minors must be reported immediately

### 7.2 Protecting Minors
- Zero-tolerance policy for minors
- Immediate removal of any minor's account
- Reporting to the authorities when necessary
- Community protection

## 8. Consent and Substances

### 8.1 State of Mind
- No activities under the influence of substances
- Consent given with a clear mind
- No pressure to use substances
- Respect for sobriety choices

### 8.2 Responsibility
- Everyone is responsible for their own state
- No activities if the other person is impaired
- Safety and consent come first
- Plan activities while sober

## 9. Consent Violations

### 9.1 Types of Violations
- **Direct violation:** ignoring an explicit "no"
- **Violation by pressure:** forcing or manipulating
- **Violation by ignorance:** not checking for consent
- **Violation by negligence:** ignoring signals

### 9.2 Consequences
- **Immediate reporting:** via the app
- **Account suspension:** pending investigation
- **Permanent ban:** for serious violations
- **Referral to authorities:** when applicable

### 9.3 Survivor Support
- Support resources are available
- Help with the reporting process
- Confidentiality is protected
- Access to professionals when needed

## 10. Education and Resources

### 10.1 Educational Resources
- Guides on consent
- Information on safer practices
- Communication resources
- Safety training

### 10.2 Supportive Community
- Safe discussion forums
- Support groups
- Mentoring from experienced users
- Constructive sharing of experiences

### 10.3 Ongoing Learning
- Regular knowledge updates
- New safety techniques
- Evolution of best practices
- Training for moderators

## 11. Consent and Technology

### 11.1 Content Sharing
- Explicit consent for any photo or video
- Honour deletion requests
- No sharing without permission
- Privacy is protected

### 11.2 Recordings
- Consent required for any recording
- Information on the intended use
- Right to withdraw consent
- Deletion upon request

### 11.3 Personal Data
- Consent for sharing information
- Respect for privacy settings
- No collection without consent
- Transparency on how data is used

## 12. Consent and Diversity

### 12.1 Respecting Diversity
- Respect for every sexual orientation
- Respect for every gender identity
- Respect for every practice (within the law)
- Inclusion and non-discrimination

### 12.2 Cultural Sensitivity
- Respect for cultural differences
- Awareness of varying contexts
- Adapting approaches
- Education on diversity

## 13. Support and Reporting

### 13.1 How to Report
- Report button inside the app
- Email: consent@velvett.app
- Customer support available 24/7
- A clear reporting process

### 13.2 Reporting Process
- Fast, confidential investigation
- The reporter's identity is protected
- Action proportional to the severity
- Follow-up and survivor support

### 13.3 External Resources
- Specialised helplines
- Support organisations
- Legal resources
- Psychological support

## 14. Contact

### 14.1 Questions on Consent
- Email: consent@velvett.app
- Support: support@velvett.app

### 14.2 Urgent Reports
- Email: safety@velvett.app
- Emergencies: contact your local authorities

### 14.3 Resources
- Help centre: help.velvett.app
- FAQ: faq.velvett.app

## 15. Commitment

By using Velvett, you commit to:
- Respect everyone's consent
- Clearly communicate your limits and preferences
- Respect other people's limits
- Report any consent violation
- Help build a safe, respectful environment
- Educate yourself and others about consent
- Always prioritise safety and well-being

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**Consent is the foundation of every healthy, respectful interaction. Together we build a community where everyone feels safe to explore their preferences with mutual respect.**