Disney World employee helps save victim of domestic violence when she calls to book tickets

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence

When a woman from Pennsylvania called to book tickets to Walt Disney World, the employee helping her with her inquiry heard a conversation in the background that worried them. Instead of simply doing their job, they went out of their way to make sure the customer was safe. The employee, after asking the woman if she needed law enforcement to intervene, called the police to her home in Dover Township. The harasser, a man identified as 38-year-old Wayne Shiflett, has since been arrested and charged with simple assault, among other crimes. The woman was rescued from the terrible situation all thanks to an alert and helpful Disney employee's actions, CNN reports.

During the call, the employee heard the woman shout, "Get off me," and, "Get away from me." They immediately "became concerned and sensed something was off," especially as the woman began responding to their questions with short "yes" or "no" answers, an affidavit from the York County Magisterial District court reveals. The woman also did not reveal any additional details about her current situation. Therefore, the Disney employee asked the woman if she needs law enforcement to come to her home. They also asked if someone was hurting her. To both questions, she said yes. The employee then called York County 911 and explained the situation. Police officials soon arrived at her home.

Responding officers were asked to remove Shiflett from the woman's home for "harassing, slapping, and choking" her. At the time of the call to Walt Disney World, he and the woman were arguing about him getting "a real job." A verbal altercation ensued, following which Shiflett grabbed her and began to choke her, three separate times. At one point he choked her to the point she could not breathe and felt like she was going to die. He also made statements such as, "You need to learn to keep your f*cking mouth shut," and "I'll f*cking kill you."

After the Northern York County Regional Police conducted a background check on Shiflett, they discovered he had an active warrant for his arrest for theft. He was immediately taken into custody and arrested on January 10. He was charged with simple assault, making terroristic threats, harassment, and one count of strangulation. He is currently being held on bail set at $20,000 and his first court appearance took place on January 19, court documents filed in York County Magisterial District Court indicated.

Walt Disney World is yet to comment on the employee's involvement in the case, but their quick thinking is an example of how anyone can help victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know suffers from domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline through the number 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). You can also visit their website to learn tips on how to intervene if you witness an incident of domestic violence. They suggest, "On average, it takes domestic violence survivors seven times to leave the relationship for good, so if it’s physically and emotionally safe for you, try to continue offering support in any way you can."