A Bartlesville woman is facing charges of domestic abuse.

 Melissa Ann Richards appeared in Washington County Court yesterday. The affidavit states Richards and the victim were in the house. When the victim started to make food and was making too much noise in the kitchen, a verbal altercation began. Richards says the victim slapped her in the face, and she retaliated. The victim denies striking Richards. Officers say Richards had no visible marks on her face, but the victim had an extremely red and swollen left eye.

 Richards is being held on a $25,000 bond. Her next court date is set for February 17th.