In episode 5, a trigger warning and resource information appears before the episode begins. The text was so small that we had to pause the episode and move closer to the screen to read it.
It reads:
“This episode deals with themes of domestic abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, or you’re worried about a friend or loved one, help is available:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call (800) 799-SAFE
Or text START to 88788
Outside of the US: If you live outside of the US and are struggling with domestic violence, please seek help from one of your local support services.
While it’s encouraging to see the show include resources for the audience, the information would be more accessible if it appeared in larger text.
Episode 5
One of the main characters, Garrett, has a complicated relationship with his father, Phil. Phil is a famous retired hockey player, and Garrett is a college hockey player.
When Phil reaches out and asks Garrett to come home for Thanksgiving to meet his new girlfriend, Cindy, Garrett is very hesitant to accept.
His dad says, “I’m really trying here. I’m a different man now. Cindy has chosen to trust me, and I want to be someone worthy of that trust.”
Garrett’s mother passed away when he was younger, and he was sent to boarding school.
Garrett invites the other main character, Hannah, to come home with him for Thanksgiving for support.
“He seemed different,” Garrett tells Hannah. She says, “I think people can change if they want to.” Hannah is not aware of the abuse of Garrett and his mom yet.
Before going into the house, Garrett is nervous. Hannah is very supportive and follows his lead. They come up with a signal to leave if he needs to.
Everything seems to be going well until the dinner scene. Garrett notices bruises on Cindy’s wrist and begins having flashbacks of his dad abusing his mom.
Garrett and Hannah decide to leave. As Cindy brings their coats outside, Hannah steps away so Garrett and Cindy can talk. Garrett points out the bruises on Cindy’s wrist and tells her she can’t stay with his father.
“It was an accident. He felt awful after,” Cindy says.
“It wasn’t an accident. My mom didn’t have the chance to get out, but you do. Please leave. Please.”
“It’s complicated.” Cindy responds.
And it is complicated.
On the drive home, Hannah pulls over so they can focus on talking about the dinner. More flashbacks reveal the abuse he witnessed as a child, and Garrett shares his fears with Hannah that he will be like his father.
And It Is Complicated
Intimate partner violence results in nearly 1,300 deaths and more than two million injuries in our nation annually.
Three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner in the United States every day. More than 20 domestic violence homicides occur in Kentucky every year.
The risk for lethal harm increases when a victim attempts to escape because the abuser is losing power, control, and dominance.
Phil is portrayed as a famous, charming person that people look up to. It reflects how abusers often present themselves in a positive light, making it difficult for victims and those around them to recognize red flags. Garrett really struggles with the way his friends admire his father because they aren’t aware of the abuse of Garrett and his mother.
We don’t know Cindy’s backstory, but victims are isolated through the power and control of the abuser. It takes a victim an average of seven times to escape the abuse. Attempting to flee is the most dangerous time. With no one to turn to for help and not enough money to begin again, victims often must navigate a series of barriers to safety.
Impact on Childhood
Every child responds differently, but some effects are common. Infants may experience failure to thrive or developmental delays. School children often suffer from depression, anxiety, and digestive illnesses. Teens might show struggles at school and feel responsible for their siblings and abused parent.
Garrett struggles with not being able to protect his mother and later Cindy. He also fears that he will become like his father.
Long-term effects of witnessing intimate partner abuse as a child can include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, fearfulness and difficulty trusting others, use or increased use of drugs and alcohol, poor academic performance, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
What Else Off Campus Does Well
Garrett and Hannah’s relationship is a series of green flags. They give each other trust and space to do their own thing while enjoying their time together, too.
Everyone deserves a healthy and loving relationship. Key elements include healthy communication, healthy boundaries, mutual respect, and support for one another.
Do you wonder if your relationship might be unhealthy or abusive? Taking this quiz at loveisrespect.org could help you decide.
