— and Then Crowned: A Story of Survival, Systemic Abuse, and Triumph

At Control Alt Delete, we often say: escaping is just the beginning. For countless Survivors, the trauma doesn’t end when the relationship does — it transforms. It becomes silent, systemic, and sanctioned by a judicial system that is often blind to the way it’s being manipulated.

This is the story of our founder Laura Pahules, her daughter Allison, and the pageant dream that was nearly stolen — and the incredible comeback that defied it all.

A Dream on Hold

As a very young teen, Allison had a bright dream: she wanted to compete in a pageant. Like many young girls, she imagined the dress, the spotlight, the confidence, and the chance to show the world who she was. And like any loving mother, Laura wanted to make it happen.

But Laura was in the thick of post-separation abuse — a form of abuse where the abuser continues to exert control long after the relationship ends, often by weaponizing the judicial system. Every attempt to bring stability or joy into her children’s life was met with interference. Financial resources were drained by constant legal fees. Court dates were scheduled with strategic cruelty. Motions were filed not for justice, but to disrupt and control.

As much as Laura wanted Allison to live her dream, it was impossible. There was never a window of peace long enough to make it happen.

What Is Post-Separation Abuse?

Post-separation abuse is a tactic used by abusers to continue their control over a Survivor through legal and financial manipulation. It includes:

• Frivolous custody disputes

• Deliberate non-payment of child support

• Endless court filings and hearings

• False reports to DCS or other agencies

• Using the child as leverage to maintain contact and control

Judicial system abuse is when courts — often unknowingly — enable these tactics by allowing repeated filings, ignoring patterns of manipulation, or treating each motion as isolated instead of part of a larger abusive strategy.

This kind of abuse is especially devastating because it’s done under the guise of “legal rights,” all while continuing to harm the Survivor and the children.

From Dream Deferred to Crown Earned

Despite everything stacked against her, Allison never gave up. And in 2025, years after the original dream was delayed, Allison stepped onto the stage — and into her power:

👑 Mrs. Cochise County, Arizona 2025
🏆 First Runner-Up, Mrs. Arizona Pageant 2025

These weren’t just titles. They were a declaration: You didn’t win. I’m still here. And I’m thriving.

Allison’s victory is a full-circle moment — from the girl whose dream was once suffocated by post-separation abuse, to the woman crowned in front of hundreds. It’s a story of survival, strength, and support.

Giving Back: Off the Beaten Path

Allison hasn’t just survived — she’s reaching back to help others.

Today, she is a powerful advocate through Control Alt Delete’s rural initiative: Off the Beaten Path. This program exists to support Survivors of domestic violence in rural Arizona, where resources are often scarce, and danger is multiplied by isolation, distance, and lack of support systems.

Through Off the Beaten Path, Allison helps ensure that:

• Survivors in rural areas have access to safe transportation and escape plans

• Awareness is raised about the unique challenges of escaping abuse in remote regions

• Control Alt Delete can respond to referrals from law enforcement, crisis teams, and advocates — no matter how far away

Allison’s lived experience fuels her passion to make sure no child’s dream is crushed by legal cruelty and no Survivor is left behind because of geography.

The Bigger Message

Allison’s story is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action. Post-separation abuse is real. Judicial abuse is rampant. And children are collateral damage. But with advocacy, support, and organizations like Control Alt Delete, Survivors can reclaim their power — and their children’s futures.

You never know which child just needs a little peace to shine.
You never know who’s quietly Surviving.
And you never know how far someone can go when they’re finally free.

💜 Support Survivors. Protect Dreams. Break the Cycle.
Donate or get involved with Control Alt Delete today — because safety should never be out of reach, and no dream should ever be lost to abuse.