A SURVIVOR of domestic violence and sexual assault wants people to think before jumping to conclusions about those not wearing face masks.

Lauryn Auchie, from Irvine, is exempt from wearing a face covering under government guidelines because of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

But, she said, members of the public and staff on trains and in shops often assume she is deliberately breaking the rules.

She said: “People tend to think because I’m young I’m ignoring the rules. Far from it. If I could wear one I would.”

The 26-year-old suffered traumatic experiences in 2017 that have left her mentally scarred.

She said: “Anything on my face or chest even a scarf that’s not open, reminds me of the struggle I had when fighting him off me, I feel suffocated.

“As soon I feel like I can’t breathe ever so slightly, I panic and then my PTSD kicks in extremely, then the memories come back.”

Lauryn carries an exemption card on her phone as proof she does not need to wear a mask, but still finds herself refused entry to some stores.

The problem gets worse on public transport where she finds some people staring at her.

She said: “I tend to avoid places that there are a lot of people but I have to travel and don’t expect to be confronted every time, especially by ScotRail staff.”

Lauryn thought that the tannoy announcements that state ‘there may be people with hidden medical conditions that are exempt’ would mean the public would take notice.

But it has not stopped people abusing others for not wearing as face covering, she said.

A ScotRail public notice states: “You should never personally challenge a customer onboard our services for not wearing a face covering.”

Lauryn believes the exemptions should be more clear and said: “If anyone feels they have a problem or issue [do] not to confront the said person because it could cause more distress.

“They say ‘wear a mask, protect lives’ but forget about the mental and psychological side of having something covering your face after such trauma.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “Everyone across Scotland’s Railway has a part to play in preventing the spread of coronavirus, and an important part of that is the wearing of face coverings while travelling.

“If a customer is not covering their face, they can expect to be challenged by our staff. Clearly there are exemptions and customers with a valid reason for not wearing a face covering are welcome to travel on our services.”

“The safety of our staff and customers is our priority and we ask everyone to play their part, follow our five rules for safer travel, and keep each other safe.”