Should I give CW's for dubious consent?

[ZannaYO]

I may be overthinking this, but as someone who appreciates content warnings for topics/themes I'm uncomfortable with, I'd like to know if this kind of scene needs one?

Condensed explanation: Scene starts out with two characters about to have sex. Person one is much less comfortable and showing signs of panic. But they lock up and don't say anything, so person two doesn't notice right away. It doesn't end in sex, they stop before it gets that far. But readers wouldn't know that if they stopped reading when it looked to be headed somewhere nonconsentual.

I know it’s a sensitive topic for a lot of people. So I don't know if I should put a note up top saying [CW: Dubious Consent] or if that's not necessary?

Thoughts? As a reader, what would you prefer?

 

[Empress_Omnii]

Thoughts? As a reader, what would you prefer?

Content warnings are always a good thing to have. It takes nothing away, and helps people sensitive to the topic. (And even if it were to take something away, by being spoiler-y, I prefer putting mental health first. [And you can put the content warnings in spoilers if need be])

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Sounds like "Adult Content" warning is appropriate.

 

[ZannaYO]

Content warnings are always a good thing to have. It takes nothing away, and helps people sensitive to the topic. (And even if it were to take something away, by being spoiler-y, I prefer putting mental health first. [And you can put the content warnings in spoilers if need be])

Oh, that's a good idea! Thank you.

Sounds like "Adult Content" warning is appropriate.

Hmm, I think that's not specific enough.

 

[l8rose]

When in doubt, put the warning. You don't need to explain it, just "Potential Dub-Con" is enough.

Because even if it doesn't complete the act, the people who care enough about that kind of situation will still be grateful that you tagged it.

 

[RepresentingDesire]

As long as you encourage consent it is okay to have, you should if you post something more sensitive look at the guidelines.

I wouldn't know a guideline that says you have to use cw in a chapter but just do it if you think it is necessary.

BUT if given content is used you need the offical content warnings on your story, to me it sounds you would need the 'sexual content' content warning. Hope my words weren't redundant.

 

[chivesgeorgiy]

That’s an important question and shows real consideration for your readers. Many people appreciate having a clear signal upfront about potentially distressing or triggering content, especially if the scene could be read as nonconsensual or “dubious consent”—even if it ultimately doesn’t cross that line.

Personally, as a reader, I’d prefer a brief content warning at the top. It doesn’t need to be detailed—just enough to let those who are sensitive to these themes decide whether or not to proceed. Even when the final outcome avoids explicit trauma, the emotional lead-up can be tough for some, and a warning helps preserve trust and respect between writer and audience.

What about others here? Do you skip stories without warnings, or prefer to encounter these moments without prior notice? How do you handle similar scenes in your own writing, and have you ever received feedback about your approach to content warnings?

 

[Enkiari]

The most I will do is the warnings at the very beginning of the story.
That's what tags, genres and content warnings are there for.

I honestly think 'content warnings' at the start of a chapter IS spoilers.
It tells the reader beforehand there will be something distressing, taking away from the tension/intended impact.

Honestly, if someone can't be bothered to read tags/warnings when they start a story, it's their fault for finding something they don't like.

 

[Worthy39]

To be honest, I don't remember if I did it on this site, but I did use a warning on at least one site I used, just because I don't want to get reported for not warning people. The story is pretty tame as far as being super graphic in terms of violence goes, but there’s always the Karens...