Ah Hua, a 47-year-old Chinese content creator, uses social media to share her make-up tutorials as a form of rebellion stemming from a past of abuse. Following an arranged marriage that led to domestic violence, Hua’s ex-husband viciously attacked her, causing severe burns and blindness in one eye.
Despite her hardships, Hua found inspiration on Douyin, a Chinese app similar to TikTok, where she discovered a special effect that helped her recreate the appearance of her missing eye using make-up. With practice and guidance from her daughter, Hua has improved her technique and gained a global following through her online tutorials.
Hua’s story of resilience extends beyond her physical recovery, as she faced further challenges when her second husband fell ill with a terminal disease. Determined to provide for her family, Hua worked tirelessly to ensure her husband could spend quality time with their child before his passing.
The prevalence of acid attacks is a growing concern in the UK, with a significant rise in incidents targeting women. Despite the alarming statistics, prosecution rates for offenders remain low due to victims’ and witnesses’ reluctance to report these crimes out of fear or trauma.
For those affected by domestic violence, organizations like Refuge offer support through their 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. It is crucial to raise awareness and address the underlying issues contributing to such heinous acts of violence.