WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES WHICH SOME MAY FIND DISTRESSING
Kate Friday, a 20-year-old from West Derby, has shared her shocking story of survival after an abusive ex-partner bit her nose and forced his fingers so hard down her throat that it ripped the flesh inside her mouth.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, she explained that Kyle Newby, who she met on a dating website, became controlling in the early days of their relationship.
He would ban her from wearing certain clothes, sent abusive text messages, and started dictating who she could spend time with.
However, when Kate tried to leave him, he turned violent.
Speaking about the incident, which took place in his car, she explained: “I knew he was going to hit me on the back of the head. That’s where he would do it because it left no mark.
“When he did, I started screaming and because he thought I was drawing attention, he put his fingers in my mouth.
“I felt him pushing up and I heard a pop.
“When he took his fingers out there was blood everywhere.”
He had pushed his fingers so hard into her mouth that he had ripped through the flesh, leaving her with holes in her throat.
Kyle Newby pleaded guilty last month to Kate’s harassment and assault, but avoided a prison sentence, spurring Kate on to post a warning to Facebook friends.
After her story went viral, Kate penned an inspiring message to other victims of domestic violence.
It read: “If anything good can come from my situation it will be to warn other young people of abusive relationships before its too late.
“Because of my age, I didn’t think anybody would take me seriously, I thought because I was so young that nobody would listen. I was wrong.
“Seeking help was the best decision I ever made. I have moved on with the help and support of so many people and i am finally in a place where i can say i am happy, healthy and strong.
“Abuse isn’t always physical and a lot of the time the power and control your partner has over you is unbelievable.
“But realise that you do not deserve this. You ARE important, other people WILL love you, people WILL believe you, you WILL move on and you definitely will overcome this. The first step is the hardest part but know that you are worthy.
“A healthy relationship should not make you feel you are constantly walking on egg shells. Love yourself enough to walk away.”
READ: THE 18 SIGNS YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP - AND NEED TO GET OUT
If you are suffering domestic violence, call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline in the UK on 0808 200 0247.