Grammy Awards 2015: What to Know About Brooke Axtell, Domestic Abuse Activist
— -- The Grammys took the opportunity Sunday night to shed light on a major issue in America -- domestic abuse.
President Obama introduced the topic in a PSA by urging people that sexual violence is "not OK -- and it has to stop." Obama added that people should take to social and spread the word via the "It's On Us" campaign.
Next, Brooke Axtell, a survivor of domestic abuse, took the stage and told her story.
Read: Grammy Awards 2015: Winners List
"Authentic love does not devalue another human being," she said. "Authentic love does not silence, shame or abuse. If you are in a relationship with someone who does not honor and respect you, I want you to know that you are worthy of love. Please reach out for help, your voice will save you ... let it part the darkness, let it set you free to know who you truly are -- valuable, beautiful, loved."
Axtell has been inspiring others to leave abusive relationships for years.
According to Salon, this incredible young woman penned an essay in the book, "What I Know of Silence," which explored her experience of child sex-trafficking by a male nanny.
Axtell, 34, is now a poet and activist and lives in Austin, Texas, running communications for Allies Against Slavery.
After Axtell spoke, Katy Perry took the stage and sang "By the Grace of God," one of the most inspiring and emotional moments of the night.
"I was immediately excited by the opportunity to bring the issue of domestic violence into the light," Axtell told Salon. "We know that 1 out of 4 women in the United States will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Our collaboration for the Grammys is a creative, intimate way to highlight this devastating trauma that impacts so many lives and show those who are currently in abusive relationships that we are standing with them."
