A Florida woman found herself in a dire and dangerous situation but received unexpected assistance from an unlikely source—her local Pizza Hut.

According to WFLA, Cheryl Treadway successfully escaped a hostage ordeal thanks to her quick thinking, her cell phone, and the responsiveness of Pizza Hut employees.

The incident unfolded on May 4, 2015, in Highlands County, Florida. While in a perilous situation with her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, who was threatening her and her children with a knife, Treadway managed to get hold of her phone. Utilizing the Pizza Hut app, she placed an order for a small hand-tossed pepperoni pizza. But this was no ordinary order. Accompanying her request for pizza was a chilling message: she was being held hostage and urgently needed help.

Upon receiving this unusual and alarming message, the attentive staff at Pizza Hut wasted no time. Recognizing the severity of the situation, they promptly contacted local law enforcement. The police responded swiftly, arriving at Treadway’s home and ensuring her safety. They arrested Nickerson without further incident, successfully ending a frightening ordeal.

Treadway’s story is a remarkable example of how quick thinking and a simple tool—something as routine as a pizza-ordering app—can become a lifeline in a moment of crisis. However, her case also sheds light on the broader issue of domestic violence, a pervasive problem affecting millions each year.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that approximately 4 million women experience domestic violence annually in the United States. Furthermore, one in three women and one in four men have faced physical violence at the hands of a current or former partner. While Treadway’s situation concluded positively, countless others are not as fortunate, enduring abuse with little to no immediate escape or support.

Her experience is reminiscent of a powerful public service announcement aired during the Super Bowl earlier that year. The ad, created by the organization No More, depicted a woman pretending to order a pizza over the phone. In reality, she was covertly reaching out to the police for help in a domestic violence situation. The PSA struck a chord with viewers, emphasizing the importance of being alert to subtle cries for assistance.

Although organizations like No More may not be without flaws, their efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide resources for survivors are invaluable. The situation dramatized in their PSA is not far-fetched; it mirrors real-life incidents. For instance, a 911 operator shared a similar account on Reddit, where a woman cleverly disguised her emergency call as a pizza order to avoid alerting her abuser.

For individuals trapped in abusive relationships, resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline offer critical support. Among the tools they provide is a safety planning resource, designed to guide survivors through the process of escaping abusive situations. This comprehensive tool covers a range of topics, including types of safety plans, strategies for leaving an abuser, and basic legal information to help individuals take their first steps toward freedom.

From an outside perspective, leaving an abusive relationship may seem like a straightforward decision. However, for survivors, the reality is far more complex. Factors such as financial dependence, fear of retaliation, emotional manipulation, and concern for children or other loved ones can create significant barriers to leaving.

This complexity underscores the importance of vigilance and empathy from those in positions to help, including 911 operators, police officers, and even ordinary citizens. Recognizing the subtle signs of someone in distress can be the difference between life and death.

In Treadway’s case, the attentiveness of the Pizza Hut manager played a pivotal role in ensuring her safety. But what if the manager had dismissed her message as a prank? What if the 911 operator in the aforementioned PSA had failed to recognize the caller’s hidden plea for help? The outcome could have been drastically different.

Fortunately, in both instances, the right people were paying attention. Their actions made a profound difference, highlighting the critical role that awareness and responsiveness play in combating domestic violence. However, not all cries for help will be as conspicuous as a note attached to a pizza order or a cleverly worded 911 call. Sometimes, the signals are subtle—more like a faint whisper than a blaring alarm.

As a society, we must strive to be more perceptive and proactive. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to a safer environment for survivors of abuse. It is not just about reacting in the moment but also about creating a culture where victims feel supported and empowered to seek help.

Stories like Cheryl Treadway’s are a testament to the power of community vigilance and the unexpected heroes who step up in times of need. Whether it’s a restaurant employee recognizing a distress signal, a 911 operator interpreting a veiled cry for help, or a friend offering a listening ear, these small acts can save lives.

At the same time, Treadway’s case is a reminder of the systemic changes needed to address domestic violence on a broader scale. From providing more accessible resources for survivors to educating the public about recognizing and responding to abuse, there is still much work to be done.

As we reflect on this story, let us remember the countless individuals who remain in situations of fear and danger, waiting for their own moment of escape. For those of us who are fortunate enough to stand outside these experiences, let us commit to being the kind of people who notice, who act, and who make a difference.

Every act of awareness and compassion contributes to a world where stories like Cheryl Treadway’s are no longer the exception, but the rule. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to live free from violence and fear.