A dungeon monitor, or DM, is a trained volunteer at BDSM play parties and events who ensures safety, enforces house rules, watches for consent violations, and provides first aid if needed. DMs are neutral presences with authority to pause or stop scenes that appear unsafe or non-consensual.
A dungeon monitor, commonly abbreviated DM, is a trained volunteer at BDSM play parties, dungeons, and events who is responsible for safety oversight during the event. DMs typically wear identifying clothing such as a vest, sash, or armband so attendees can recognize them. Their duties include watching ongoing scenes for signs of distress or unsafe technique, enforcing house rules about which activities are permitted, intervening in scenes that appear non-consensual or unsafe, providing first aid if needed, helping attendees who are experiencing drop or emotional distress, and answering questions about event logistics. DMs are expected to be neutral and professional; they are there to support everyone's safety rather than to play themselves (most events prohibit DMs from playing while on duty). Good DMs have training in conflict resolution, basic first aid, recognizing consent violations, and community-specific rules. If a scene needs to be stopped, DMs have authority to do so. Attendees can approach DMs with concerns about anything they observe. For newcomers to dungeon events, knowing that DMs exist and how to identify them adds a layer of safety that makes first visits less intimidating.