Is the situation for a pro-sub more dangerous than for a dominatrix concerning security/customers crossing the lines? Does it happen regularly that non-consensual things happen, and if yes, what would be the best way to prevent such things?

I can only speak for myself, and with that I can only speak of doing submissive sessions while working in a house in the United States where I relied heavily on other people to screen clients and keep me safe.

That said, YES. I strongly believe that pro-sub is inherently more risky (especially with sex work being criminalized, stigmatized, and [insert more scary words here] in the USA and elsewhere) than pro-dom. I think doing pro-sub when you *are* a submissive IRL might add to the risk. However, rather than speak in generalities, I will keep it personal. Here goes.

1. I only had three kinds of dominant clients. The first type wanted anonymity due to fame or position or simply were the type to “pay the girl to go away.” Kink without fuss. I used to refer to them as the Charlie Sheens, but that was before that name accumulated a different kind of baggage. #winning The second type usually had a lack of confidence preventing them from seeking D/s relationships, much like someone afraid of dating *period* but peppered with fear of rejection or mischaracterization. Some of them also seemed to be afraid of their own proclivities, and paying for the privilege made it a little less real for them, I think. The third type were the Psycho Fuckheads. I hate to say it, but I feel that the majority fell into this group — at least the ones I encountered. Again, I didn’t do my own screening or security.

2. I’ve had enough trouble getting people in my personal life to adhere to boundaries and pre-negotiations as a submissive woman, so I’m hardly surprised that I encountered dangerous situations once the kink was commodified. That’s not sex work’s fault, nor is it kink’s fault. That’s something else entirely, and a whole ‘nuther post.

3. I am a competitive, prideful bottom. THAT IS BAD FOR PRO SUB. It is in my nature to push my limits to save face, to never let the client see me break, to never use a safe word — not that people appeared to ever use them where I worked — even if it was utterly ludicrous for me to continue the scene. I know that about myself now, and that is why I will never sub for money again.

How do we make it safer? Decriminalize sex work so women can call the cops if something goes wrong. Until that happens, the only thing ultimately protecting a sex worker from harm is the client’s conscience.