Description & Objectives

Continuing Education Hours: 1.5 CEs for LPC, SW, LMFT, and Psychologists - NBCC Approved

Description: BDSM and “rough sex” have been frequently used as excuses by abusers for sexually assaulting their partner. This presentation will be an in-depth look at the BDSM community, including definitions, safe practices, the role of consent, and general information criminal justice professionals should know. This session will also pay special attention to what consensual sexual sadism vs. non-consensual sexual sadism looks like—examples will be provided. This presentation is suited for law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal justice professionals, or anyone who works with sexual assault survivors or perpetrators. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Attendees will learn introductory information about BDSM and the BDSM community 
  • Attendees gain an understanding of what consensual BDSM could look like vs. non-consensual sexual violence 
  • Attendees will understand the role of consent in BDSM 
  • Attendees will learn in-depth information about sexual sadism from a psychological perspective 
  • Attendees will learn ways offenders may utilize BDSM as a defense for assault 

Instructor

AJ Greer

AJ Greer is a criminal justice professional with a strong background in psychology and a passion for advocating against domestic violence and sexual assault. She works for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Research Specialist V. AJ has worked in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault prevention for five years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, specializing in sex offender behaviors. Her academic pursuits have equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault, serial sexual offenses, and offender behavior. Her areas of specialization encompass domestic violence prevention, sexual assault intervention, and offender behavior analysis.