Survivors Share Their Stories Like It’s Nothing—But the Danger Is Staggering
At a recent Control Alt Delete outreach event, the number of Survivors who came forward to share their stories was staggering. Each conversation was a reminder of why our mission exists—and how often the rest of the world underestimates the daily dangers Survivors face.
What struck us most was the way these horrific stories were told so casually, almost like someone sharing they had stopped for a coffee. That’s the reality of trauma. When you’ve lived in survival mode for so long, violence and fear can begin to feel “normal.” But make no mistake: the situations Survivors endure are anything but normal.
One Survivor shared how her abuser told her, “If I can’t have you, no one can!” He then went to his car, retrieved his gun, and came back. She had called law enforcement in terror—yet when officers arrived, they seemed to believe the abuser’s story more than hers and allowed him to leave with his gun. Her life was in immediate danger, but the system that should have protected her failed.
Another Survivor shared that even years after leaving her relationship, her abuser still shows up at her home. The sense of fear never truly leaves when someone refuses to respect boundaries or stop stalking and harassment. It’s a chilling reminder that leaving is often just the beginning of the danger, not the end.
For many Survivors, recounting these moments is done without tears, without shock, without visible panic. It’s not that the danger wasn’t real—it’s that the human mind adapts in order to cope. But just because a story is told calmly does not mean the experience wasn’t life-threatening. Telling the story is healing and heals more with every time it is told.
At Control Alt Delete, we see this over and over again. Survivors often don’t realize how dangerous their situations were until they are looking back. The truth is, many lives are lost each year to abusers who escalate when control begins to slip away. That’s why intervention, advocacy, and safe escape are so critical.
Every story shared reminds us why our work matters. We are here to listen, to believe, and to act when Survivors need a way out. And with every escape facilitated, with every life saved, we honor the courage of those who bravely tell their stories—even when the world doesn’t always listen the first time.
Domestic violence is not “normal.” It is not something to be minimized or brushed aside. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please know: you are not alone. Help exists. Safety is possible. And your story matters.
If you would like to share your Survivor Story with Control Alt Delete please let us know. Every story is an inspiration and guide for another Survivor struggling to escape or dealing with post separation abuse.
