The only problem is, when you’re actually in a situation like that, defending yourself is easier said than done. Especially if you’re not prepared for the possibility of such a thing happening, it comes as such a shock that sometimes your body doesn’t respond with the “fight or flight” instinct. Instead, you enter this “haze” between fiction and reality, not really sure where you actually are, hoping it’s really just a bad dream. The only way to (hopefully) avoid this haze is to be prepared.
This is not intended to scare you, but to prepare you, for the possibility of an abusive piercer (or anyone else, for that matter) who may try to take advantage of you in a vulnerable state. Especially when getting a genital piercing – and especially for females – this does put you in a situation of certain vulnerability. Realizing this is the first step toward preparedness.
Any time you enter a room alone with a stranger, you are vulnerable. Add removing any article of clothing to the mix, and you add to your vulnerability. Now give them access to your private areas, and you tip the scale of empowerment to the stranger’s advantage. A truly professional piercer with no intention of misconduct will not take advantage of you in any way, regardless of your current state. But a perverted sicko with no professionalism or ethics will see this as a perfect opportunity to satisfy their own disgusting whims at your expense.
Remember, this is usually not the case, but it can happen, so be prepared! Here are some things you can do to avoid finding yourself in a very uncomfortable position.
- Be 100% confident in the studio’s reputation. A well-known, highly-recommended studio with strict attention to cleanliness and professionalism is usually going to be a lot more picky about the type of people they hire to represent them.
- Be 100% confident about the piercer’s reputation. Besides the studio having a good reputation, the piercer should also have a good name for clean, professional, quality work. People aren’t going to recommend someone they had a bad experience with.
- Be 100% comfortable with the piercer. Don’t just walk in and go right for the piercing. Talk with the piercer and/or schedule a consultation with them. Sometimes a piercing consultation involves removing your clothing in order for the piercer to determine if you’re anatomically suitable for a particular piercing – do not allow this until you have had all of your questions answered and you are completely comfortable with them. You can even schedule a second consultation for that purpose if you need time to think about it.
- Bring a friend with you. Any person with bad intentions will be much less likely to try anything if there are witnesses. Bringing a friend large or strong enough to potentially kick an abuser’s ass doesn’t hurt, either.
Next Page: Fighting Back if you are Victimized
