Abuse: A Common Link?
Does abuse cause submission? Or does a submissive nature encourage abuse? An insightful pair of articles written by a dominant, Lord Colm, and his submissive. Jade is no longer with us, but her words live on.

Abuse in BDSM
An excellent article by Zebee Johnstone that talks about abuse rather than listing a bunch of "it's abuse if this and BDSM if that" points. Well done in a casual, chatty tone.

Abuse in the BDSM World
An entire site devoted to abuse in BDSM relationships, some pages of which are linked elsewhere on this page. The site's creator believes abuse is more common in BDSM environments than we care to admit.

Abuse vs. Erotic Power Exchange
From POWERotics, this article talks about how things are supposed to be within BDSM and "real life," and some of the signs that things have gone wrong.

Abuse vs. Healthy BDSM: Knowing the Difference
From the NLA-I Statement on Domestic Violence, a discussion of the differences between BDSM and abuse.

Are You Being Abused?
From Dr. Gloria Brame, a look at domestic violence and abuse as they relate to BDSM.

BDSM Abuse Survivors Mailing List
An electronic mailing list for people involved in or interested in BDSM and who are the victims or survivors of some kind of abuse (not necessarily connected to BDSM experiences or relationships).

BDSM or Abuse
A look at both partners in a BDSM relationship. The first page compares character traits and actions of a dominant partner with an abuser. The second page looks at the difference between a submissive partner and an abused one.

BDSM Relationship vs. Abusive Relationship
The writer acknowledges that there are abusive relationships within the leather community just like there are everywhere else in the world... and that we may be more likely to overlook them or ignore the warning signs. Includes a list of questions for submissive partners to honestly ask themselves.

BDSM vs. Abuse
A list of points differentiating healthy SM interaction and abuse.

The Connection Between Kink and Abuse
Bob King contends that there is a large overlap between the communities of abuse survivors and BDSMers, and thinks biochemical causes may be involved, just as they are in depression and other similar problems. You may not agree with his statements or his conclusions, but this is interesting reading nonetheless.

The Difference Between SM and Abuse
A statement from the Lesbian Sex Mafia, outlining what they believe are the critical points distinguishing abuse from BDSM.

The Differences Between BDSM and Abuse
From CUFSmaine, an excellent point-by-point comparison between BDSM and abuse.

NLA-I's Statement on Domestic Violence
The National Leather Association International is a world-wide BDSM organization. In 1988 they launched the first ever Domestic Violence Project within the leather community. This multi-page statement (individual pages are linked elsewhere) discusses the difference between BDSM and Abuse, and what can be done about the latter.

Preventing Abuse Within BDSM Relationships
From the NLA-I Statement on Domestic Violence: How to identify an abusive relationship, how to avoid them, and how to get help.

Safe Sane and Consensual?
Tips on abusive D/s relationships and how to avoid them. Includes a list of warning signs for potential physical danger.

Signs Your Partner May Be Abusive
Sixteen symptoms that point to an abusive personality or relationship. Well done and well worth reading.

Is SM abusive? Were most SM people abused?
From the soc.subculture.bondage-bdsm FAQ, this page deals with misconceptions about BDSM and leatherfolk stereotypes. It also includes information on domestic violence and abuse from the Leather/Fetish Celebration Committee.

SM versus Abuse Policy Statement
The draft of a public statement on BDSM versus abuse being developed by participants in the Leather Leadership Conferences.

SM vs. Abuse
A look at the difference between BDSM and abuse, from Jay Wiseman's SM 101. Includes a list of warning signs and an explanation of the "cycle of violence."