Why Off Campus Is Sparking Important Conversations About Trauma and Healthy Relationships

Written by Emily Arismendy

Spoiler Alert: This blog discusses key plot points and character moments from Off Campus. If you want to avoid spoilers, you may want to come back after watching. 

Off Campus is a bestselling book series by Elle Kennedy that has since been made into a popular Prime Video series. The story follows a group of college students navigating relationships, sports culture, and personal challenges, highlighting the emotional dynamics and complexities within those relationships. 

As a note for parents and child caretakers: Because the series is adapted from adult romance fiction and contains mature subject matter, it is intended for adult audiences (TV-MA). Viewer discretion is advised. 

While many teen and young adult romance narratives often center dramatic conflict or idealized relationships, this series also incorporates more difficult topics, including trauma and healing. These themes are explored through interpersonal relationships and character development within the story. 

One of the show’s most compelling storylines centers on Garrett Graham and his relationship with his father. 

While domestic violence is often discussed in the context of intimate partner abuse, the impacts of family violence on children can be profound and long-lasting. Garrett’s story illustrates how abuse can shape a person’s self-worth, relationships, and understanding of themselves well into adulthood. 

Throughout the series, Garrett struggles with a fear common among many survivors of family violence: the fear of becoming the person who hurt them. His journey demonstrates how abuse affects not only the direct victim but entire family systems and future relationships. Rather than portraying healing as simple or linear, the show acknowledges the complexity of trauma and the ongoing work required to break cycles of violence. 

The series also handles Hannah Wells’ experience as a sexual assault survivor with remarkable care. 

Instead of using sexual assault as a plot device, Off Campus focuses on the long-term impacts of trauma and the process of healing. Hannah’s story highlights the challenges many survivors experience, including difficulties with trust, intimacy, and feeling safe in relationships. 

One particularly powerful moment occurs during a phone conversation between Hannah and her mother. Hannah expresses feelings of guilt and responsibility for what happened to her, something many survivors experience. Hannah’s mother gently challenges those thoughts, reminding her that the assault was not her fault and that responsibility belongs solely to the person who harmed her. 

Perhaps most importantly, the show does not define Hannah by her trauma. She is portrayed as a talented musician, a loyal friend, and a complex young woman whose story extends far beyond what happened to her.  

Beyond romantic relationships, Off Campus also highlights what healthy friendships can look like across the board. 

Among the women, there is a strong sense of emotional safety and respect for autonomy. For example, Allie’s decision to wait until Hannah is ready to share her experience reflects a trauma-informed approach to disclosure. 

Across both friendships and romantic relationships, communication is treated as essential rather than optional. Characters check in with one another, clarify intentions, and make space for honesty, even when the conversations are uncomfortable. 

A particularly important point in series is Garrett’s decision not to speak Hannah’s story for her. Even when doing so had consequences, he consistently respects her agency and allows her to decide when, how, and whether to share her experience. 

Taken together, these relationships show that healthy connections are about respect, boundaries, and willingness to listen.  

Another reason Off Campus stands out is its portrayal of masculinity. 

The male characters exist within a world where they are often expected to be emotionally detached, competitive, and self-protective. Instead, the show consistently offers a different model—one rooted in accountability, emotional honesty, and care for one another. 

Throughout the series, the guys actively hold one another accountable. When someone crosses a line or makes a harmful choice, it isn’t brushed off. Friends challenge each other, offer perspective, and encourage growth rather than silence or denial. These conversations matter because they show that healthy masculinity includes the ability to reflect, admit mistakes, and accept feedback from people you trust. 

Even more importantly, the show normalizes men talking openly about relationships, boundaries, and emotional experiences without framing vulnerability as weakness. Instead, it becomes part of what it means to be a good friend and partner.  

Media is often one of the first places young people are exposed, either directly or indirectly, to ideas about love, gender roles, and conflict. This is why the way these topics are depicted matters. Even fictional narratives can influence how audiences interpret consent, recognize unhealthy dynamics, and understand what supportive responses to disclosure can look like. 

While no television show can perfectly represent every survivor’s experience, stories like Off Campus can help normalize conversations about consent, boundaries, trauma, and healing. They can challenge harmful stereotypes and demonstrate that healthy relationships are built on trust rather than control. 

At SAFE, we know that there needs to be more education for youth about what a healthy relationship looks like. 

That’s why our Expect Respect program works with youth in schools to promote healthy relationships, prevent dating violence, and help young people build the skills needed to recognize respect, establish boundaries, and communicate effectively. 

Shows like Off Campus can start important conversations. Programs like Expect Respect help continue them. 

If you’re a parent, educator, or young person interested in learning more about healthy relationships, we encourage you to explore the resources and education opportunities available through SAFE’s Expect Respect program. 

Because everyone deserves relationships built on respect, safety, and trust. 

If you or someone you know needs help, contact SAFE for free resources and specialized care through the confidential, 24-hour SAFEline. Call: 512–267–SAFE (7233), Text: 737–888–7233, or Chat: safeaustin.org/chat.