A beauty pageant contestant who was later crowned Miss Kansas stunned spectators when she said on stage that she was a survivor of domestic violence and that her abuser was in the audience.

In her final interview segment of the June 8 competition, contestant Alexis Smith answered a question about her vision as a brand ambassador by saying she wanted to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships.

Then she got personal.

Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today, she said, turning from the judges to the audience.

But thats not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas, she added, her voice growing louder as the crowd erupted in cheers. Because I and my community deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a domestic [violence]-free life.