GRESHAM, Ore. — In a harrowing situation, a woman cleverly disguised her emergency call to 911 as a pizza order, effectively alerting authorities of her perilous circumstances. Trapped in her apartment with her children, she was enduring an assault from her partner, and her quick thinking ultimately led to his arrest.
During the brief call, the dispatcher quickly grasped the gravity of the situation despite the woman’s method of communication. She answered in hushed tones, indicating fear while deftly responding to the dispatcher’s coded questions about her predicament. When asked for her address, she feigned interest in ordering pizza, giving details about toppings instead of revealing her location.
As the conversation progressed, the dispatcher adeptly sought to confirm the woman’s safety, eventually prompting her to affirm her dangerous situation with a simple “yes.” Court records later revealed that the woman had barricaded herself in a bedroom after an intense argument escalated to violence, where her partner had allegedly threatened her life.
The call lasted just over six minutes, with the woman communicating discreetly while maintaining an appearance of normalcy. She even inquired about the delivery time, subtly signaling for assistance. Police arrived shortly after the call, allowing her and her children to escape safely while apprehending her partner, who faces charges including assault.
Anneke Blanda, a deputy district attorney in Multnomah County, praised the woman’s decision to reach out for help, describing it as both courageous and pivotal. Many victims of domestic violence often fear retaliation, which can deter them from seeking assistance. “For her to make this call, under such distressing circumstances, shows significant bravery,” Blanda stated.
Despite the successful outcome in this instance, authorities acknowledge that securing convictions in domestic violence cases can be challenging. Many victims opt to remain silent, hoping for the situation to improve on its own. Blanda noted that even convincing victims to place the initial call for help can be a formidable task.
Margot Martin, CEO of Bradley Angle, an organization aiding survivors of domestic violence in the region, emphasized the hurdles victims face in escaping abusive situations. “Domestic violence involves manipulation, control, and isolation,” she explained. “Many endure emotional or financial abuse, which can complicate their ability to seek help.”
Statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline indicate that one in four women and one in seven men in the United States experience severe physical violence from intimate partners. Martin highlighted the local prevalence of these issues, as many survivors are reluctant to approach authorities for fear of privacy violations or repercussions on their families.
Often, those experiencing domestic violence will confide in friends or family before reaching out to law enforcement or support organizations. “It is crucial for communities to foster supportive environments where survivors feel safe to share their experiences,” Martin added.
This incident recalls a 2015 Super Bowl commercial that portrayed a similar scenario involving a pizza order. Although dispatchers are not specifically trained for such calls, they are trained to pick up on cues in a caller’s tone and responses that may indicate danger.
Reflecting on the woman’s situation, Martin remarked, “It’s a tragic reality that so many live in silence, often feeling isolated until they see no other option.” For those experiencing domestic violence, support is available, and resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline can provide confidential assistance 24 hours a day.