So, I wasn't sure where to post this. I'm entering a short story contest, and one of the rules is "no obscene, vulgar, offensive, profane, provocative or otherwise inappropriate content." My character for the story will go through a series of flashbacks where she was attacked. (It's my first time entering a contest of this type, but I get 2 entries, so this is my more risky piece.) Am I under the understanding that they are just trying to remove sexual material? My story will do nothing of the sort, and the flashbacks do not in any way describe the man hurting her, but simply coming after her, shouting, etc. At the beginning of the story, she also cuts herself (by accident, cutting food). If I don't go into depth about the bleeding (actual line is "seeping red"), that isn't obscene, right?
I wouldn't consider either of those incidents obscene, no. I expect they're looking at sexual content and probably swearing.
I wouldn't say any of that is obscene. If you're really concerned, contact the contest and ask them. They're the only ones who can really give you an answer.
