In a world where many young women share makeup tips on social media, Chinese content creator Ah Hua stands out by using makeup as a form of defiance. At 47 years old, Ah Hua revealed in a video that she endured an abusive marriage arranged by her parents. Despite leaving her husband due to his violence, he sought her out and viciously attacked her, leaving her blinded in one eye and scarred from acid burns.
While experimenting with Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, Ah Hua discovered a special effect that digitally recreated her missing eye. Inspired by this, she began using makeup to draw and recreate the eye that was taken from her. Despite initial struggles, with practice and the help of her daughter, Ah Hua improved her makeup skills and now shares tutorials online to inspire others who have faced similar violence.
Following the tragic incident with her ex-husband, Ah Hua found love again but faced another heartbreak when her new husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Determined to make the most of their time together, she worked hard to provide for their child before his passing.
The UK has seen a concerning rise in acid attacks, with a 75% increase in assaults involving corrosive substances from 2022 to 2023. Women are disproportionately affected, with 50% of victims being women. However, prosecution rates remain low due to victims’ and witnesses’ fear of retaliation or trauma.
If you have experienced domestic violence, you can seek help by calling Refuge’s 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for support.