FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RAVISHMENT
by Desmond Ravenstone
What is ravishment?
Ravishment is the safe, sane and consensual enactment of an erotic fantasy involving the appearance of force and resistance. Ravishment scenes are also called “forced-sex role-play,” “play-rape” or “rape fantasy” scenes.
Why call it “ravishment”?
Phrases like “rape fantasy” are often confusing and emotionally charged. Ravishment, on the other hand, can carry both an expectation of consent and a desire for pleasure.
Isn’t it sick to fantasize about being raped or forced to have sex?
The most reliable surveys indicated that between one-quarter and one-third of the population have such fantasies. That would make for a lot of “sick” people out there!
People have ravishment fantasies for a number of different reasons: emotional or physical intensity, paradox and contrast, a means of letting go of guilt and inhibitions, the desire to be wanted.
Aren’t ravishment scenes risky?
With thorough negotiation and planning, ravishment scenes are no more risky than other forms of erotic role-play or BDSM.
What about doing a scene with a survivor of rape or abuse?
Certainly there are special considerations in such cases. Counseling to help with the trauma of sexual abuse or assault is highly recommended as a general rule. Partners should also be particularly aware of limits, trust issues and potential triggers.
Can you really trust men who want to ravish women?
Ironically, many men are initially reluctant to play such a role. Good ravishers, like all BDSM tops or dominants, are mindful of safety issues, personal limits and the consent and desires of their partners.
It’s also a generalization to see ravishment as an exclusively heterosexual and male-dominant form of play. There are submissive men who fantasize about being ravished by women, as well as people who desire to be ravished by people of the same or both genders.