ST. LOUIS — In a tragic case of domestic violence, a Missouri woman is currently receiving emergency medical care after being shot in the face with a shotgun, allegedly by her boyfriend.

“Her right jaw is completely gone,” shared Patrick Dolan, a relative. “Her neck is shattered.”

Heather Siorek, a mother of three from St. Louis County, is now in the intensive care unit as she battles to recover. Authorities report that Siorek’s former boyfriend shot her in the face on January 30.

“I didn’t realize how toxic the relationship was or how dangerous the situation had become,” Dolan expressed. “I don’t think she realized it either.”

Police have apprehended Anthony Schanuth in connection with the incident, charging him with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. The couple had been dating for less than a year.

“She had decided during that time that it would be best for her to pack a bag and leave, but unfortunately it was too late,” Dolan said. “He let her bleed out and he walked out and smoked a cigarette.”

Experts on domestic violence say that victims are often in more danger as they try to leave an abusive situation. 

“Statistics say that leaving is the one of the most serious times where the abuse escalates,” said Dr. Cynthia Bennett, the CEO of JADASA. The nonprofit, based in St. Louis, helps people in a domestic violence situation escape and receive immediate help.

“She’s a warrior. She’s a survivor,” Bennett said.

Despite the traumatic incident, Siorek’s family says she is strong enough to persevere. 

“He’s forever changed her life, but I know she’ll persevere through this, and continue to be amazing mother and friend to us all,” Dolan said.

Siorek will have to undergo reconstructive facial surgery. While she is unable to talk, Siorek wrote the message “was not going to leave my kids motherless,” from her hospital bed. 

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist in Heather’s long road to recovery.

Schanuth remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond.

Dolan’s message to him: “You’re a coward, and I hope you never walk free.”

Those in need of domestic violence resources are encouraged to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).