Alexis Smith, a contestant in the Miss Kansas beauty pageant who was later crowned Miss Kansas, shocked the audience when she revealed on stage that she was a survivor of domestic violence and that her abuser was present in the audience. During her final interview segment, Smith expressed her desire to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships, and boldly declared that she and her community deserve a domestic violence-free life. Her emotional and powerful statement received cheers and applause from the crowd. A video of her response went viral on social media platforms, garnering over 290,000 views.
Smith, a 25-year-old cardiothoracic ICU nurse from Wichita, revealed that she had been in an abusive relationship since her early teens, and that every woman in her family had been impacted by domestic violence. She shared that she had been in an abusive relationship until 2018 or 2019 and is still dealing with the effects to this day. Despite her difficult past, Smith felt empowered to speak out during the Miss Kansas competition and plans to continue advocating for others through her community service initiative called “Respect Reclaimed.” She wrote that she took back her power on the night of the competition, not just for herself, but for her dreams and everyone watching and listening.
After being crowned Miss Kansas, Smith received over $15,500 in cash scholarships and will represent her state at the 2025 Miss America competition in January. The Centers for Disease Control recognizes domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, as a significant public health issue that impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million Americans experience relationship abuse each year. Smith’s courageous revelation shed light on the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of addressing these issues within our communities.
Smith’s bravery in speaking out about her experience with domestic violence serves as a powerful reminder of the need to raise awareness and support survivors. By sharing her story on a public platform, she is helping to break the stigma surrounding domestic abuse and inspire others to seek help and support. The response to Smith’s speech highlights the importance of supporting survivors and fostering a community that values healthy, respectful relationships. Through her advocacy work with “Respect Reclaimed,” Smith is committed to continuing her efforts to empower and support individuals affected by domestic violence.
As a survivor of domestic violence, Smith’s courage and resilience have inspired many, and her willingness to speak out has sparked important conversations about the impact of abuse on individuals and communities. Her story serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for increased support and resources for survivors. By using her platform as Miss Kansas to advocate for healthy relationships and support for survivors, Smith is making a significant impact in raising awareness and promoting positive change. Through her continued advocacy work, she is actively working towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all.
