The dreaded Rape tag

[Bartun]

Greetings, readers and fellow writers.

I wanted to humbly ask about the dreaded Rape tag on SH. I know rape is a special kind of evil but I didn't want to discuss that here. What I meant to ask is when should we use that tag? It is only for when rape actually happens or should it also be used for attempted rape?

Before going further, yes, my story includes an attempted rape scene in the prologue. It is cut short and makes it appear as if the rape is actually going to happen but a later chapter reveals the attempt was interrupted before it could take place. I'm asking because I received feedback from a reader about the big SEXUAL VIOLENCE WARNING at the start of the prologue is "vague" but I also understand the Rape tag automatically brings a special treatment with it so I was afraid of using it since there is no actual rape.

But what do you think? Should I use the tag?

 

[RepresentingWrath]

DREADED rape tag. The only dreaded tag on SH and pretty much everywhere else is NTR.

 

[greyblob]

add the tag if there's frequent and detailed depictions of rape. if it's a one time thing, a warning before the specified chapter should be enough

 

[BlackKnightX]

If you wanna play it safe, then add it. Like you said, you risk losing some potential readers, but it’s a safe bet. Web novel’s readers don’t have that much patience for a long setup. Setup and payoff need to happen fast—ideally within one chapter.

 

[Ai-chan]

Is it portrayed? Yes.
Is it implied? No, unless you're expecting squeamish readers.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

I'd save that for actual rape. Attempted rape is quite a common trope.

 

[yansusustories]

I have a story with a similar situation just that it happens halfway down the line. I didn't add the tag because I felt that if it doesn't actually happen, it's not justified. Personally, I have a list with more specific content warnings on my website that readers can check out.
In your case, if you/some of your readers think "sexual violence warning" might be too vague, why not just go for a note along the lines of "this chapter features attempted rape"? Or go with the original one but add a spoiler where you go into slightly more detail for the more sensitive readers. That way, you don't have to use the (only somewhat applicable) tag but still warned everyone that needed to be warned.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Tag: Rape | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

Definition:
This tag is to be used ONLY IF an important/significant-to-the-story character is raped OR doing the raping, at any time during the course of the story. Note that this tag is not to be used if (1) some character is hinted to have raped/been raped before the course of the story, or (2) the occurrence is off-screen and doesn't involve any significant character.

 

[Bartun]

I'd save that for actual rape. Attempted rape is quite a common trope.

Thanks! Yeah, I'm aware is quite common, just wanted to be sure.

I have a story with a similar situation just that it happens halfway down the line. I didn't add the tag because I felt that if it doesn't actually happen, it's not justified. Personally, I have a list with more specific content warnings on my website that readers can check out.
In your case, if you/some of your readers think "sexual violence warning" might be too vague, why not just go for a note along the lines of "this chapter features attempted rape"? Or go with the original one but add a spoiler where you go into slightly more detail for the more sensitive readers. That way, you don't have to use the (only somewhat applicable) tag but still warned everyone that needed to be warned.

That's actually a great idea! Thanks!

Tag: Rape | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

Definition:
This tag is to be used ONLY IF an important/significant-to-the-story character is raped OR doing the raping, at any time during the course of the story. Note that this tag is not to be used if (1) some character is hinted to have raped/been raped before the course of the story, or (2) the occurrence is off-screen and doesn't involve any significant character.

Thanks! Now I have it figured out.

Is it portrayed? Yes.
Is it implied? No, unless you're expecting squeamish readers.

Only implied in the prologue, and a later chapter reveals that the character was saved in the nick of the time.

add the tag if there's frequent and detailed depictions of rape. if it's a one time thing, a warning before the specified chapter should be enough

That's exactly what I did, I guess my warning was just too vague.

DREADED rape tag. The only dreaded tag on SH and pretty much everywhere else is NTR.

You're right, that's dreaded pretty much everywhere.