Survivors of domestic violence often carry more than physical scars—they carry the weight of stories that deserve to be told. At Control Alt Delete, we believe in the power of Survivor voices. When we speak up, we break the silence for others who may be suffering in isolation. This is one Survivor’s story—a story of strength, betrayal, and the lasting impact of abuse.

“The Day After I Found Out I Had Cancer, I Lost My Job”

At one of the most vulnerable moments of my life, everything came crashing down.

The day after I received a devastating cancer diagnosis, I was fired from my job. It felt like the world had turned upside down. I had no idea at the time, but this was not just a tragic coincidence—it was calculated. It was sabotage, orchestrated by my abuser.

Years passed before I discovered the truth.

The Hidden Hand Behind My Firing

A friend of mine, someone I used to work with, was later promoted into the HR department. One day, she called me in shock. She had pulled my employee records and couldn’t believe what she saw.

For years, my file was filled with glowing performance reviews, promotions, and positive feedback. Then, out of nowhere, came a string of accusations. According to my records, I had been reported for theft—accused of stealing merchandise from the company and selling it at swap meets.

It was all a lie.

My abuser had called my employer and told them he had a garage full of company merchandise that I had stolen. He made up an entire narrative designed to destroy my reputation and my ability to provide for my children. What made it even more disturbing was that, by then, he had already moved on to his next target—his next supply. There was no reason for this attack, no motive other than to remove any stability I had left.

Years later, those accusations were found to be 100% unfounded. My former employer acknowledged in the file that it had been an attempt to hurt me and sabotage my career. There was no merchandise in his garage, no swamp meet selling. But the damage was already done. I had lost my job, my income, and the sense of security I was fighting so hard to give my children—all while battling cancer.

He Did It to Destroy Me

This wasn’t about theft. This was about power and control. This was about ensuring that I had no support system, no footing to stand on, and no way to escape his abuse.

When abusers can no longer control you, they try to control how others see you. They try to cut off your resources, smear your name, and make sure the world turns its back on you. For some Survivors, this kind of post-separation abuse is even more damaging than the abuse itself.

You Are Not Alone

I share my story so that other Survivors know: You are not alone. Your pain is valid. Your truth matters. And you are not crazy.

Abusers often operate in the shadows, manipulating situations behind the scenes to make Survivors feel powerless and isolated. But when we speak out, we shine a light on their tactics. We reclaim our power, and we help others do the same.

At Control Alt Delete, we provide the tools, support, and hope Survivors need to escape, heal, and rebuild. If you’re a Survivor, consider sharing your story. You never know who might need to hear it.