At 17, Kayla Holmes was trapped in an abusive relationship with an older boyfriend, Seth Aaron Fleury. Raised by a single mother, she says she never fully understood what a healthy relationship should look like. Despite the physical and emotional abuse, she stayed because she believed his promises to change and held on to the good moments they shared.
On October 17, 2017, Kayla agreed to meet Seth after he said he wanted to apologize for his behavior. However, when she made it clear that she did not want to get back together, he became violent. After attempting to kiss her and being rejected, he attacked her in a horrifying way — biting off part of her lower lip before fleeing the scene.
Kayla was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were unable to reattach the damaged tissue. Surgeons had to reconstruct her face, leaving her with a permanent scar. In the aftermath, she struggled emotionally and blamed herself for what had happened. Over time, though, she came to understand that the abuse was never her fault.
One year later, Seth was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated assault.
Today, Kayla describes herself not as a victim, but as a survivor. She openly shares her story to encourage others to leave abusive relationships and to remind people that real love should never involve fear, control, or violence.