I've been a Dom for a long time and have heard many horror stories from and about newbie submissives who have been mentally, emotionally and physically harmed because they didn't know the difference between a positive BDSM relationship and a relationship that is merely abusive with no benefit for the submissive whatsoever.

The following links may be of use. I recommend them highly to both submissives and Dominants:


BDSM is NOT Abuse

A Submissive's Bill of Rights