CoMHWA Advocacy Update: Stigmatising Horror Film in the Spotlight

CoMHWA sought an urgent review of the horror film ‘Split’  by the Classification Review Board on the basis that the film was stigmatising and poses particular harm to young people.The Classification Review Board responded promptly to CoMHWA’s request and reviewed the film on 25th January 2016. The Board received 8 other written submissions to inform its review.The original classification ruling was upheld and we remain concerned about the potential harm that the film presents to young people with mental health issues.However, the willingness of the Review Board to act swiftly in response to public interest raised by mental health consumers is encouraging and shows that our views are being heard.Your ongoing commitment to alert us to stigma including in the media enables CoMHWA to take swift action and to raise awareness of the need to respect people with mental health issues.