News articles, forums, and survivor communities often replace explicit language with shorthand to reduce the chance of re‑traumatization. These code words act as quick content warnings while still conveying necessary information.
Why Code Words?
Some communities use short terms like SA (sexual assault) or CSA (child sexual abuse) instead of full words to help readers avoid unexpected exposure to distressing topics. These codes can reduce harm for people who’ve experienced trauma.
Even seeing certain words repeatedly—regardless of personal experience—can affect mental health. For individuals with trauma histories, this exposure may act as a trigger, leading to symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or dissociation. This is common among those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This site alters headlines and masks sensitive terms with codes. Even if someone hasn’t experienced trauma firsthand, constant exposure to violent or explicit language may still have a negative mental health impact. Using coded terms helps reduce that risk.
Further Reading
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American Psychological Association: Trauma
Overview of trauma and its psychological impact.
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RAINN: Sexual Assault
Information and support resources from RAINN.
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National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Resources on childhood trauma and recovery.
Supporting Research and Communities
Academic & Professional Sources
- Briere, J. N., & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of Trauma Therapy: A Guide to Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment. SAGE Publications. — Official description: SAGE College Publishing
- Ehlers, A., & Clark, D. M. (2000). A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38(4), 319–345.
- Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383.
- Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books. — Publisher page: Basic Books (publisher info)
- Kahn, W. A. (1990). Psychological Conditions of Personal Engagement and Disengagement at Work. Academy of Management Journal, 33(4), 692–724.
- Lieberman, M. D., et al. (2007). Putting Feelings Into Words: Affect Labeling Disrupts Amygdala Activity in Response to Affective Stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428.
- Pennebaker, J. W., & Chung, C. K. (2011). Expressive writing: Connections to physical and mental health. In S. L. H. Friedman (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology (pp. 417–437). Oxford University Press.
- Schauer, M., Neuner, F., & Elbert, T. (2011). Narrative Exposure Therapy: A Short‑Term Treatment for Traumatic Stress Disorders. Hogrefe Publishing.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma‑Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14‑4884.
- Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
Online Support Communities
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers a moderated, anonymous national hotline and online support community for survivors of sexual violence.
- The Trevor Project (TrevorSpace): A moderated social networking site for LGBTQ young people (ages 13–24).
- The National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs): The leading US research and educational center on PTSD, providing evidence-based tools used by many support communities.
