(April 23, 2006)--A Waco woman whose faced was mutilated by a point-blank gunshot fired by her former boyfriend has received the "Special Courage" award from the Department of Justice.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales presented the award.

Carolyn Thomas lost her nose, right eye, upper jaw and several teeth in an attack that resulted in the death of her mother, Janice Reeves.

The honor came in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of National Crime Victims Rights Week.

Terrence Dewaine Kelly was convicted and sentenced to life in prison last year for the double shooting in 2003.

Since the attack, which almost claimed her life, Thomas has undergone a series of reconstructive surgeries and has stepped forward to speak out in hopes of convincing other domestic abuse victims to seek help to get out of abusive relationships.