This young woman definitely had to go through a harrowing ordeal before she could get out of her abusive relationship, and she’s got the scars to prove it. As you’ll see in the story below, her abuser got what was coming to him in terms of justice. See more of her story — and the surprising things she’s doing now — below.
This is Chantelle Ward.
Before a traumatic event changed her life forever, Chantelle was a vibrant, beautiful young woman.
WARNING: The following picture is disturbing to look at.
Just 19 years old, Chantelle was brutally attacked by her boyfriend Rhys Culley. She was left with major scars and injuries.
Her worst injury was on her upper lip.
Culley bit through Chanttelle’s upper lip completely, leaving her with an altered appearance. He was jailed for eight years for the attack.
When it started, they seemed like the perfect pair.
“I was physically and mentally abused by my ex. He wouldn’t let me wear certain clothes or speak to certain people, I couldn’t wear make-up, it was silly things like that which I didn’t realize were classed as domestic violence.”
“He tried to bite my top lip off and it knocked my confidence. I have been left with two scars on my top lip and had to go to counseling for a year to get over the depression. I am trying to rebuild my life now.”
Chantelle had to find a way to heal herself both physically and emotionally after the attack.
Unfortunately, the psychological scars were a bit harder to heal.
Only time will tell if this abuser will ever be able to face his own demons.
But this story isn’t about him: It’s about Chantelle, who is recovering beautifully.
She’s also working to be a champion for young women in her situation.
Doctors have done a great job recovering her lips, and Chantelle tries to fight against feeling self conscious.
In fact, she’s even joining beauty pageants to help her confidence.
“There are so many beautiful girls, I never thought I would be chosen because of my scars.”
Here, she’s seen collecting a prize for the Top Model of England competition.
After all she’s been through, she can’t quite believe her current life situation.
“I didn’t think a beauty pageant would want someone like me. It proves you don’t need to be a perfect person. It feels nice that I have been chosen having these scars on my face.”
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