If you or someone you know is experiencing facial abuse, there is help available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) are two organizations that provide support and resources for survivors of domestic violence.

Stella’s experience is not unique. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in four women and one in seven men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Facial abuse is a common form of domestic violence, and it can have serious and long-lasting effects.

Stella’s abuser had a particularly cruel habit of comparing her to a string of pearls. He would tell her that her tears were like pearly beads, beautiful and precious, but also fragile and easily broken. He would say that he loved her, but that she needed to be “fixed” in order to be truly beautiful.

Facial Abuse: The Unseen Scars of Trauma**

One of the most important things that Stella has learned is that she is not alone. She has connected with other survivors of facial abuse, and she has found a sense of community and support. She has also learned how to recognize the signs of abuse and how to protect herself from future harm.