Marlene Tighe has seen the worst of humanity but in recent months, she's also seen the best of it.

The kindness of strangers has provided an enormous boost to the domestic violence survivor and, literally, brought a big smile to her face.

"It's been amazing the support I've been getting from all around Australia," Ms Tighe told 7.30.

"I'm really lost for words."

Ms Tighe decided to bare her scars and tell her story in the hope of helping other women.

She told 7.30 about the night she told her then partner she wanted to end the relationship.

He attacked her with a hammer, leaving her with extensive facial injuries.

"I had a fractured jaw. Got one eye, lost a lot of my teeth, got 11 plates in my face," Ms Tighe said.

"[I] lost my main nerve so my face is partially paralysed; I have half a smile, I don't have a full smile, and when I talk, my teeth [are missing].

"So I'm always reminded, every day."

After Ms Tighe's story aired on 7.30 she was swamped with messages of support and some remarkable offers.

Tasmanian artist Tony Richardson asked if he could paint her portrait for the Archibald Prize.

And Sydney dentist Brian Phillips offered his services.

"It was quite upsetting to see someone who had been hurt like that and had been obviously going around without teeth for quite a while," Dr Phillips told 7.30.

It took a series of appointments, but the big day finally arrived.

With a bridge and a denture, the gaps in Ms Tighe's smile have now gone.

Dr Brian Phillips looks on as Marlene Tighe sees her new smile for the first time. ( ABC News: Tracy Bowden )

7.30 was there as she was handed a mirror to take a look.

"I love it," she said on seeing her new teeth and smile in reflection.

"My confidence will come back heaps more now.

"I was always a bit shy because when I talked people would look at the gap bit, but now no more worrying about that.

"I'm so grateful for what he's done; something I will never forget."

Dr Phillips is just pleased he could help.

"She's lost a little bit of the muscles of facial expression, but she's got a terrific smile; she lights up when she smiles," he said.

"I've got miles more out of it than what Marlene has."

With her new-found confidence, Ms Tighe wants to keep spreading the message against domestic violence, and working with women to help them escape or recover from attacks at the hands of the people closest to them.

"There is a women's group I am involved with, they are going to help me get my certificate so I can work in the women's refuge or with the women … just support them through anything that they are going through," she said.

Ms Tighe is still reminded of the attack every time she looks in the mirror, but she says the support and kindness she has been shown helps her through the tough times.

"I have my tough days, every day, but I can soldier on and get through it knowing I have got a lot of help," she said.

"And support from all around Australia has helped me, and it makes me feel proud of who I am."