MESA, Ariz. –

A conversation with a recent escape.  Control Alt Delete helped a mom, kids and pets escape domestic violence.

This Survivor told me her biggest fear wasn’t that the abuser would find them but rather it was having to wear a mask.  Here is what she said:

Have you ever had someone hold their hand over your mouth and nose until you black out?

Has anyone wrapped their hands around your neck and squeezed until you feel the very last breath you may ever take?

Imagine waking up with you face smashed in the mattress or a pillow over your face…flailing and trying to get even just a millisecond of air.

Think of what it might feel like to have your head held under water for what feels like forever.

Or a belt wrapped around your neck and being drug by that belt across the floor from room to room.

No I am not afraid of him anymore.  You helped us escape but I will never be able to wear a mask or a scarf or a turtleneck or even a necklace.  People have told me it’s not the same but they are wrong.  It’s exactly the same.  I am interviewing for jobs where I can work from home and will have groceries delivered.  I will pray my kids don’t need a doctor and that their school understands I can’t come in with them if I have to wear a mask.  Putting a mask on will take me right back and I just can’t do it.  I’m not being “selfish” or “putting others at risk” I am saving what’s left of my sanity.

Read that again….I’m not being “selfish” or “putting others at risk” I am saving what’s left of my sanity.

*This mom and her children have all been fully vaccinated to try to ensure she would not have to risk wearing a mask again.

You never know the reasons someone may not be wearing a mask.  Just be kind.

Control Alt Delete removes the barriers that often keep people in unsafe domestic violence environments.  We bridge the gap in services and help in that immediate time of need providing one time assistance with services such as gas gift cards, cab rides, bus tickets, hotel rooms and new locks and security measures for homes where Survivors will be staying.