We’ve all seen movies or TV shows where a person who is being abused calls 9-1-1. The situation is usually fraught with stress and anxiety because when an abuse victim makes that call to authorities, they’re in grave danger. Once the abuser realizes that their victim has called in outside authorities, they become enraged and often escalate the abuse. This can sometimes result in the victim being killed or severely harmed. A few years ago, a story made the rounds about a woman using a genius technique to make a desperate call to 9-1-1. She had to pretend she was ordering food. It seemed like a crazy idea, but there was no other way she could reach out for help. This story got the attention of the media and since then, 9-1-1 operators are alert to this kind of call. Read the story below and make sure anyone you know who may be vulnerable knows what to do if they’re in this situation.
“911, where is your emergency?”
“123 Main St.”
“Ok, what’s going on there?”
“I’d like to order a pizza for delivery.” (Oh great, another prank call).
“Ma’am, you’ve reached 911.”
“Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom, and peppers?”
“Ummm… I’m sorry, you know you’ve called 911 right?”
“Yeah, do you know how long it will be?”
“Ok, Ma’am, is everything ok over there? Do you have an emergency?”
“Yes, I do.”
“..And you can’t talk about it because there’s someone in the room with you?” (Moment of realization)
“Yes, that’s correct. Do you know how long it will be?”
“I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?”
“Nope.”
“Can you stay on the phone with me?”
“Nope. See you soon, thanks.”
As we dispatch the call, I check the history at the address and see there are multiple previous domestic violence calls. The officer arrives and finds a couple, the female was kind of banged up, and the boyfriend was drunk. Officer arrests him after she explains that the boyfriend had been beating her for a while. I thought she was pretty clever to use that trick. Definitely one of the most memorable calls.
The relief that must have flooded over her when I realized what was actually happening is something I could feel from the call.
