Katie Piper is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most inspiring women.
In 2008, she was raped and violently assaulted by her then-boyfriend, Daniel Lynch.
Just a few days later, furious that Katie hadn’t forgiven him, Daniel arranged for a man to throw sulphuric acid into her face.
The shocking attack melted away her nose, left ear and eyelids, burned her mouth, tongue, arms, hand, neck and cleavage, damaged a lung, and left her blinded in one eye.
Katie’s injuries were so horrific she was expected to die.
But, over 200 operations later, Katie has proven to be a survivor; she is now happily married to the love of her life, James Sutton, and the pair share a daughter, Belle Elizabeth.
Yet, despite her newfound happiness, Katie still works tirelessly to encourage women to find the strength to leave their violent partners - before it’s too late.
Taking to Instagram this week, she shared an image of a woman with a black eye - and a frightening reminder of what can happen if domestic violence goes ignored.
The harrowing awareness story read:
I got flowers today… it wasn’t my birthday or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things he said… because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today… it wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day. Last night he threw me against a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare. I couldn’t believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry, because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today… it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day. Last night, he beat me up again. And it was so much worse than the other times. If I leave him, what will I do? What about money? I’m afraid of him and I’m scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry, because he sent me flowers today.
I got flowers today. Lots of them. Today was very special.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night he finally killed me. He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him, I wouldn’t have gotten flowers today,
Real men don’t hit.
The message has received over 3000 likes, and over 130 comments.
One read: “So real and so true it's hard but you can gain the strength and become a strong free woman I did with 2 children now I'm free and happy moved on engaged to the love of my life happiness is out there you have to be strong and fight first [sic].”
“This made me cry,” wrote another.
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