In a shocking revelation during the Miss Kansas beauty pageant, contestant Alexis Smith disclosed on stage that she is a survivor of domestic violence, and further revealed that her abuser was present in the audience. The incident took place during the final interview segment of the competition on June 8, where Smith spoke about her vision as a brand ambassador and expressed her desire to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships. She received a positive response from the crowd as she bravely addressed the issue, stating that both she and her community deserve healthy, domestic violence-free lives.
The video of Smith’s powerful response quickly went viral after being shared on Miss America Kansas’s social media platforms, garnering over 290,000 views across various platforms. Smith, a 25-year-old cardiothoracic ICU nurse from Wichita, shared that she had been in an abusive relationship since her early teens, and revealed that all the women in her family had been impacted by domestic violence. She emphasized that the abuse continued until 2018-2019 and that she is still dealing with its effects today. Despite the challenges she faced, Smith aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and support others through her community service initiative, “Respect Reclaimed.”
Empowered by the moment on stage, Smith chose to speak out about her experience and take back her power while advocating for a better world. She emphasized that she made the decision not only for herself but also for her dreams and anyone watching and listening. Following her courageous revelation, Smith was crowned Miss Kansas and awarded over $15,500 in cash scholarships. She is set to represent her state at the 2025 Miss America competition in January.
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a significant public health issue that has a profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12 million Americans experience relationship abuse each year. In times of need, individuals can seek help by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in the United States. Through her actions and advocacy, Alexis Smith is shedding light on this critical issue and inspiring others to speak out against domestic violence.
