This is Chantelle Ward. Before a traumatic event changed her life forever, Chantelle was a vibrant, beautiful young woman.

The following picture is disturbing to look at. Just 19 years old, Chantelle was brutally attacked by her boyfriend Rhys Culley. She was left with major scars and injuries.

Her worst injury was on her upper lip. Culley bit through Chanttelle's upper lip completely, leaving her with an altered appearance. He was jailed for eight years for the attack.

It's hard to believe that a relationship could go so wrong. When it started, they seemed like the perfect pair.

They looked happy on the outside, but in reality things were getting worse and worse. "I was physically and mentally abused by my ex. He wouldn't let me wear certain clothes or speak to certain people, I couldn't wear make-up, it was silly things like that which I didn't realize were classed as domestic violence."

Chantelle had to relive her horror in front of a jury. "He tried to bite my top lip off and it knocked my confidence. I have been left with two scars on my top lip and had to go to counseling for a year to get over the depression. I am trying to rebuild my life now."

The healing process was incredibly painful. Chantelle had to find a way to heal herself both physically and emotionally after the attack.

She recovered slowly, hoping that there wouldn't be any permanent damage. Unfortunately, the psychological scars were a bit harder to heal.

As we mentioned, Rhys Culley was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in jail. A small price to pay for a crime so brutal.

Here, Culley is seen trying to shield his face at his sentencing. Only time will tell if this abuser will ever be able to face his own demons.

But this story isn't about him: It's about Chantelle, who is recovering beautifully. She's also working to be a champion for young women in her situation.

For starters, she had major plastic surgery to repair her injuries. The doctors have done a great job recovering her lips, and Chantelle tries to fight against feeling self conscious.

In fact, she's even joining beauty pageants to help her confidence. "There are so many beautiful girls, I never thought I would be chosen because of my scars."

Clearly, Chantelle doesn't have any problems winning, despite her perceived flaws. Here, she's seen collecting a prize for the Top Model of England competition.

After all she's been through, she can't quite believe her current life situation. "I didn't think a beauty pageant would want someone like me. It proves you don't need to be a perfect person. It feels nice that I have been chosen having these scars on my face."