Katy Perry was introduced by Brooke Axtell, A Survivor of Domestic Violence, with a Moving Speech at 2015 Grammys

It was the event of A-list performers- yes Grammy Awards 2015 was the event for the top performers of Hollywood to display their talents.

However, amidst the crowd of the A-listers there was an unknown woman who made her present prominent at the event. Brooke Axtell, a survivor of domestic violence, presented very powerful moments to the crowd during the show by introducing the performance of Katy Perry-“By the Grace of God”. Brooke gave a moving speech describing her bitter experiences with her abusive ex.

Axtell told the crowd, “My name is Brooke Axtell, and I am a survivor of domestic violence.” The woman continued, “After a year of passionate romance with a handsome, charismatic man, I was stunned when he began to abuse me. I believed he was lashing out because he was in pain and needed help. I believed my compassion could restore him and our relationship. My empathy was used against me…My compassion was incomplete because it did not include me.” Axtell also elaborated, “When he threatened to kill me, I knew I had to escape.” Brooke continued, “I revealed the truth to my mom, and she encouraged me to seek help at a local domestic violence shelter. This conversation saved my life.”

Axtell, 34, is an activist and a poet and she reached out to those who are in abusive relationships. Brooke told that in authentic love one partner should not devalue the other one. She said, “Authentic love does not silence, shame, or abuse.” She continued, “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 extend into the night, let it part the darkness, let it set you free to know who you truly are: valuable, beautiful, loved.”