A woman who was shot in the face at point blank range has urged the women of Bermuda to break their silence over domestic violence.

Carolyn Thomas, 'The Faceless Lady', last night gave hope and strength to those in abusive relationships in an inspiring account of courage and survival.

Miss Thomas was the guest speaker at the Physical Abuse Centre's gala dinner, where she moved people to tears with her story. Speaking at the black tie function at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Miss Thomas related events leading up to one night in December 2003, when her boyfriend gunned down both her and her mother at their home in Waco, Texas.

Despite being shot in the face, Miss Thomas, 37, survived. She has undergone 11 reconstructive surgery procedures and now travels around the world speaking out on the issue of domestic violence.

Last night she urged the women of Bermuda finding themselves in abusive relationships to contact women's shelters and domestic violence helplines.

She said: "No one deserves to be abused, any kind of abuse, whether mentally or physically. Don't be silent about it. I wouldn't want this to happen to anyone else.

"Being silent, it can transform into a silent killer. I lost my mother but it also had an effect on my whole family.

"Please take advantage of the 911 calls and your local shelter. Please take advantage of the resources available to you."

If you need help or are concerned about a relative or friend, please contact the Physical Abuse Centre on 292 4366 or the Women's Resource Centre hotline on 295 7273.