By Alexis Smith, crowned Miss Kansas on June 8, 2024, has sparked a viral campaign against domestic violence after publicly confronting her abuser during the pageant. A video of Smith’s on-stage comments, posted on July 16, has garnered over 60,000 views on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), catapulting her advocacy efforts into the national spotlight.
During the interview portion of the pageant, Smith boldly stated, “My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships. Matter of fact, some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today.” She emphasized that this presence would not deter her from representing Kansas.
Smith, a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse in Wichita, revealed that her personal experience with domestic violence extends to her family history. “Every single woman in my family was impacted by domestic violence,” she told Wichita television station KSN. Smith herself was in an abusive relationship from age 14 until 2018-2019, an experience she continues to process.
The newly crowned Miss Kansas has received widespread praise for her courage in speaking out. Her campaign against domestic violence has resonated with thousands, prompting numerous news stories and social media discussions.
Smith’s advocacy is deeply personal. After escaping her abusive relationship, she moved to Texas for two years before returning to Wichita to study nursing at Newman University. Now, as Miss Kansas, she plans to use her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and support survivors.
As Smith begins her reign, her bold stance against domestic abuse and her willingness to confront her own abuser publicly have positioned her as a powerful voice in the fight against domestic violence. Her story continues to inspire and empower others, demonstrating the potential impact of using high-profile platforms to address critical social issues.
