In May 2015, Cheryl Treadway, from Highlands County, Florida, used her phone to place an order for a pizza. The order seemed normal, but with it, she included a note telling the Pizza Hut staff she was being held hostage and needed help.
At the time, Cheryl and her children were being threatened with a knife by her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson. When Pizza Hut received her order, they took action by calling the police. The authorities arrived quickly and arrested Ethan, rescuing Cheryl and her children.
Domestic violence affects millions of people each year. While Cheryl’s story ended with her being saved, many others aren’t so lucky. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men face physical violence from an intimate partner.
This story reminds us of a Super Bowl PSA that also used the idea of ordering a pizza to secretly ask for help. The scenario in the ad actually happened in real life, shared by the 911 operator. It shows how critical it is to understand the signs of someone in an abusive situation, even if they seem subtle.
For those trapped in abusive relationships, resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available. They offer a safety planning tool with tips on how to leave an abusive relationship and basic legal advice.
Leaving an abusive situation is not as easy as it might seem. For many, it takes careful planning and support. This is why 911 operators and police officers need to be trained to spot signs of distress, even if they aren’t immediately obvious.
Imagine if the Pizza Hut manager hadn’t recognized the call for help, or if the 911 operator hadn’t caught on. Luckily, they did, but we must always be aware that not every warning will be clear. Sometimes, help is hidden in plain sight.