Acid attack victim Adele Bellis plans school talks

A woman scarred for life in an acid attack arranged by her boyfriend said she hopes to turn it into a positive experience by teaching young people about abusive relationships.

Anthony Riley, 26, was jailed for life for the attack on Adele Bellis, 23. He paid an accomplice to throw acid on her as she waited for a bus in August 2014.

Ms Bellis said she wants to teach boys and girls about avoiding abuse.

"It's as important as sex education" in schools, she said.

The former beautician said she felt her face "melting" when sulphuric acid was thrown over her in London Road South in Lowestoft.

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She lost an ear, had scars to her head, face, neck and hand, and was left partially bald after the attack, orchestrated by her boyfriend.

During his trial, Ms Bellis said: "His controlling got worse. He... got more evil and started hitting me," she said.

"There were a few times he punched me and told me not to tell the police or he'd kill me, and that's why I kept quiet."

Riley, of Raglan Road, Lowestoft, paid Jason Harrison £500 to attack Ms Bellis. Harrison and two others were also jailed.

She has now written a book documenting her six-year relationship as it became increasingly abusive.

Reliving it was "one of the hardest things I've ever done", Ms Bellis said.

She hopes to use the book, Brave, to educate young people about unhealthy relationships.

"When you're in your first relationship you don't really know what's normal and what isn't, so young people need guidance," she said.

"It's not just about educating girls, it's about educating boys.

"It needs to be understood by men that this controlling behaviour is wrong and I believe by telling boys it's actually weak behaviour it'll help make it more socially unacceptable."