The Guardians of Safety in BDSM: The Role and Importance of Dungeon Monitors

In the realm of BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism) activities, safety stands as one of the paramount considerations. Dungeon Monitors (DMs) play a central role in this aspect. They are entrusted with supervising the venues of BDSM activities, ensuring the physical safety of all participants, and overseeing the adherence to the rules and regulations of the venue​¹​.

Dungeon Monitors are individuals with significant experience and/or explicit education in BDSM. They usually also have verifiable training in BDSM safety practices and first aid techniques. When on duty, their authority is absolute. If a Dungeon Monitor commands a play scene to halt, it must cease immediately. They often don a special uniform, hat, or armband, though there’s no standard attire to identify a Dungeon Monitor​¹​.

The primary responsibility of Dungeon Monitors is to ensure the physical safety of all participants engaging in BDSM play. Usually, a team of Dungeon Monitors operates under the guidance of one or more Chief Dungeon Monitors. In private gatherings, it’s typically the host’s role to act as a Chief Dungeon Monitor or to nominate an attendee to serve in that capacity, possibly along with one or more additional Dungeon Monitors. At public play venues, the venue typically appoints volunteers or employees for the same purpose​¹​.

Almost every playspace establishes a set of house rules, listing the prohibited activities as well as the default safeword and sometimes even a safe gesture. Besides monitoring play scenes and enforcing the house rules, Dungeon Monitors also maintain the dungeon equipment between scenes, performing tasks such as ensuring players clean surfaces and equipment after use (usually with disinfectants), replacing pads, and generally readying a play area safely for its next scene​¹​.