What is A CNC Kink?

Consensual Non-Consent (also known as CNC) is a form of edge play in which a person grants blanket consent to one or more individuals. CNC kinks can be a component of a scene or granting Consensual Non-Consent can be applied to an entire power dynamic.

Because CNC involves granting consent to your partner to do whatever they please, it’s not an activity to be taken lightly. 

Be sure you have a clear understanding of what CNC means to both you and your partner(s) prior to engaging in this activity.

Are CNC and fantasy rape the same thing?

Fantasy rape is a type of CNC, but it’s not the only activity that can take place in a CNC scene or dynamic.

It’s important to understand that rape play is not sexual assault - it’s a pre-negotiated, emotionally complex form of roleplay. Kink is rooted in consent, and CNC is no exception.

In mainstream society - and even for some in the kinky subculture - the idea that anyone would be interested in a fantasy scenario of sexual assault feels almost too taboo.But the fact is, many kinksters who engage in this activity can find it empowering and even therapeutic for overcoming past sexual traumas. 

On both sides of the slash, participating in a past traumatic experience within the confines of a strictly negotiated scene can feel empowering.

Are limits and safewords allowed in CNC?

Yes. In fact, using a safeword and negotiating limits in CNC can be a vital risk mitigation tool in this form of edge play.

Whilst many CNC activities and relationships use safewords, not all of them do, but it’s important to understand that using a safeword and respecting limits has more to do with your physical and emotional safety than it does the amount of trust you have in your partner. 

Assuming you’re engaging in a version of CNC in which physical S&M is a component, not using a safeword can increase risk of serious physical injury and even the likelihood of death if things go wrong.

Safewords are just as important as hard and soft limits for mitigating risk. Your limits are there for a reason. Whether they are emotional or physical, crossing those limits has the potential to harm you in lasting ways. 

From rough body play to breath play to physical torture, the Top has very little to go on aside from a safewords should you seriously injure yourself. 

Using safewords won’t fully protect you and your partner from serious mental and physical injuries, but stating and mutually respecting limits and including safewords in negotiations can go a long way towards mitigating such risks.

Is CNC a “bad” kink?

We’ve covered the morality of kink and discussed the concepts of good kinks versus bad ones in other articles, but this question is more about what you believe about yourself and the kink community as a whole, as opposed to  the morality of CNC as a specific kink. 

Ethically speaking, as long as you’re communicating clearly with your partner, respecting negotiated terms, and practicing the utmost care when it comes to edge play activities like CNC, the question of what’s good or bad is largely irrelevant.

If you have feelings of shame about your own kinky proclivities, it’s easy to find fault in your own kinks or those of others. Ultimately, whatever you’re into is simply that.