In a display of bravery and resilience, the newly crowned Miss Kansas, Alexis Smith, stunned judges during her final interview at the Miss Kansas competition last month. Smith boldly revealed that her abuser was present in the audience, emphasizing the significance of her platform to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships.

Dressed in a sparkly azure gown, Smith maintained her composure as she addressed the audience, stating, "Some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today. But that's not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas." Her powerful words were met with applause and cheers, showcasing the support of those in attendance.

Taking to Instagram after her win, Smith provided further context about the emotional night, revealing that "someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace." Despite this obstacle, she chose to live out her vision for a better world, reclaiming her power not just for herself but also for her dreams and everyone watching and listening. Determined to end unhealthy relationships in all forms, Smith expressed her readiness to utilize her story, tools, and resources.

In an interview with local Wichita TV station KSN, Smith disclosed that every woman in her family had been impacted by domestic violence. Opening up about her own experiences, she revealed that her abusive relationship started at the age of 14 and continued until 2018 or 2019. She emphasized that domestic violence knows no boundaries and is an issue she continues to deal with today.

As Miss Kansas, Smith intends to use her platform to advocate against domestic violence in Kansas and beyond. Her resilience and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others shine through her dedication to this cause.

Prior to claiming the Miss Kansas crown, Smith, who also works as an ICU nurse, demonstrated her versatility by winning preliminary competitions in health and fitness as well as talent. Showcasing her ventriloquism act with two puppets, Smith impressed both the judges and the audience.

Additionally, as the state winner, Smith was awarded over $15,000 in scholarships, furthering her educational pursuits. She, along with other state winners, will now compete for the coveted Miss America crown in January.

CNN has reached out to the Miss America organization for comment on this remarkable story of resilience and empowerment. Alexis Smith's courage in confronting her abuser serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the strength that lies within us to create positive change.