Miss Kansas State Winner Alexis Smith Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence During Pageant Speech

Social media users are commending newly crowned pageant winner, Alexis Smith, for opening up about her experience with domestic violence.

Before being crowned Miss Kansas on June 8 during the Miss Kansas state competition, Smith disclosed that her abuser was present in the crowd, intending to “disturb” her “peace,” as conveyed in an emotional speech shared on her Instagram account on July 12. However, the scary reality didn’t stop Smith from showing up and showing out during the competition, where she vowed to help domestic violence victims around the world “eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships.”

“Some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today,” she said. “But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas,” the star continued as the crowd burst into cheer. “Because I and my community deserve healthy relationships.”

In her caption, Smith offered more insight into her emotional speech, telling fans that instead of being fearful and “falling into silence” she chose to live out her “vision for a better world,” in the face of her abuser. The petite beauty added, “I took back my power — not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening. This isn’t about shunning others; it’s about turning our pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that unifies and uplifts. I’m ready to use my story, tools, and resources to end unhealthy relationships in all forms…”

Unfortunately, domestic violence disproportionately affects Black women.

Statistics by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violenc e reveal significant rates of intimate partner violence among Black women. A substantial 45.1% of Black women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking during their lifetimes.

Additionally, 31.8% of Black women have encountered intimate partner violence-related incidences, such as fear for safety, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, injuries requiring medical care, and the need for various support services.

Moreover, 41.2% of Black women have been victims of intimate partner physical violence. Alarmingly, intimate partner violence contributes to approximately 51.3% of adult female homicides within the Black community.

During an interview with local Wichita, Kansas, news station KSN TV on July 18, Smith shockingly revealed that “every single woman” in her “family was impacted by domestic violence.” Her abusive relationship began at age 14 and lasted until 2018 or 2019. “It’s something that I’m still experiencing and dealing with today,” the pageant winner told the news outlet. “Domestic violence does not discriminate.”

Alexis Smith was brave for sharing her story. We salute you queen!

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