'It's not only the way people look at me. She said she has also had other incidents in which people have made rude comments to her, and given her dirty looks for being maskless. Every time I enter a store and I'm having to show that card I'm constantly reminded of what happened to me as child, and I already struggle with that.'

Every time I'm having to enter a store I'm having to show this card which reminds me of what happened. She was close to tears as she explained that even just showing the exemption card triggers memories of her traumatic past. She said she wants stores, and the public, to treat people who can't wear masks with compassion, and not assume they are not wearing a mask for a political reason. She said being questioned by security staff over personal painful memories was extremely stressful, and she reacted angrily to the questions.ĭevine said when she was grabbed by the security guard she may have struck out at him, but said the whole incident was a blur to her. She said when she entered the Wainoni Pak'N'Save earlier this month she showed the first security guard her mask exemption card, but when she was in the store a second security guard asked for her card and for proof that she was eligible for it.

She said childhood trauma has left her with PTSD, prone to panic attacks and a tick when stressed. Jody Devine said she ended up in a loud and embarrassing confrontation with a security guard at a Christchurch supermarket when the guard demanded to know why she had an exemption card.ĭevine said she wanted the public to realise that most people not wearing masks have legitimate reasons.

What does tali look like under her mask