Halsey Just Performed A Devastating Poem About Sexual Assault At The Women’s March In New York
"Nobody is safe long as she is alive / And every friend that I know has a story like mine."
The following post discusses sexual assault.
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Acclaimed singer-songwriter Halsey has spoken out about her experiences with sexual assault, reciting a gut-wrenching poem during the second annual Women’s March on Saturday in New York City.
Standing in front of the enormous crowd, Halsey said it was her second year in attendance, after participating in the inaugural Women’s March in Washington D.C. the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration.
“I don’t really know how to do a speech unless it rhymes, so I’m gonna do a little poem for you guys,” she said, before launching into her devastating performance.
“It’s 2009 and I’m 14 and I’m crying,” the poem begins. “Not really sure where I am but I’m holding the hand of my best friend Sam in the waiting room of a Planned Parenthood.”
Halsey goes on to detail how her friend was raped by a school staff member, and how they went together to find out if she was pregnant. “She’s praying she doesn’t need an abortion, she couldn’t afford it,” the singer recalls. “And her parents would, like, totally kill her.”
In subsequent verses, Halsey recounts being abused as a child and later being pressured into sex by her boyfriend. “He wants to have sex, and I just want to sleep,” she says. “He says I can’t say no to him, this much I owe to him. He buys my dinner, so I have to blow him.”
“It’s 2018 and I’ve realised nobody is safe long as she is alive,” Halsey continues. “And every friend that I know has a story like mine.”
The poem ends with a rallying cry. “Listen, listen and then yell at the top of your lungs,” Halsey demands. “Be a voice for all those who have prisoner tongues. For the people who had to grow up way too young. There is work to be done. There are songs to be sung. Lord knows there’s a war to be won.”
You can listen to the full poem below.
here is my entire “A Story Like Mine” poem from today’s #WomensMarch2018 in NYC tw: rape / assault. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/l3fji73woM
— h (@halsey) January 20, 2018
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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.