Trigger warnings - What's the big deal?

Amidst the click-bait articles and public scrutiny of Blake Lively’s perceived lack of seriousness in addressing themes of domestic and sexual abuse in her recent film “It Ends With Us,” there is a more important and less sensationalized debate at play.

The film’s marketing strategy, somewhat disconcertingly, gives the impression to those unfamiliar with Colleen Hoover’s book that it is a romantic chick flick. As a result, the film has faced criticism for potentially misleading audiences by not providing sufficient content and trigger warnings.

Hollywood seems to be divided on the issue. Zoe Kravitz has actively included trigger warnings in the promotional material for her movie “Blink Twice”. On the other hand, back in May, in an interview, Judi Dench expressed her discomfort with trigger warnings, arguing that “sensitive” viewers should not attend the theatre. Perhaps if Judi spent a day working in Rape Crisis she may feel differently.

Amid the mess of anti-woke rhetoric, trigger warnings are getting a bad rap, with many not understanding their function. To address the critics, it is important to explore the difference between trigger warnings and content warnings. Despite often being used interchangeably, they actually serve slightly different purposes, both of which are essential for supporting survivors.

What are Trigger/ Content Warnings?

Trigger warnings are alerts given before content that might evoke strong emotional, psychological and/or physiological reactions due to trauma. For survivors of domestic or sexual violence, certain topics, images, or descriptions can trigger intense flashbacks, anxiety, or distress. A trigger warning helps prepare them emotionally, giving them the option to engage with the content or step away if necessary.

Content warnings, on the other hand, are broader. They inform audiences of potentially distressing material without assuming that the content will necessarily trigger trauma responses. Content warnings might cover a range of sensitive topics such as violence, abuse, or graphic content. They allow individuals to make informed choices about what they are comfortable engaging with, whether or not they have a history of trauma.

What Do Trigger/ Content Mean For Survivors?

For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, these warnings are not just considerate—they’re crucial. Trauma often lingers long after the abuse ends, manifesting in unexpected ways. Without warnings, survivors can be blindsided by content that forces them to relive their experiences, disrupting their healing process.

For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, these warnings are not just considerate—they’re crucial. Trauma often lingers long after the abuse ends, manifesting in unexpected ways. Without warnings, survivors can be blindsided by content that forces them to relive their experiences, disrupting their healing process. It isn’t about being “too sensitive”, but having a profoundly distressing, involuntary response in which someone’s nervous system is likely responding as though a terrifying thing is happening in the here and now.

Using trigger and content warnings is an act of empathy and respect. It acknowledges the diverse experiences of individuals and the reality that everyone’s healing journey is different. By implementing these warnings, we can help create environments where survivors feel safer, respected, and in control of their engagement with potentially triggering material.

We believe that preventing the re-traumatization of a survivor is more important than potential spoilers. It’s essential to ensure that audiences are well-informed and have all the necessary information to make an informed choice about viewing particular content. After all, cinema, TV, and theatre are forms of entertainment.

This small but significant practice fosters inclusivity and helps protect the well-being of those who have endured trauma, allowing them to navigate content on their own terms.