See Halsey's powerful speech on sexual abuse and rape

From Digital Spy

Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including rape, sexual assault and the loss of a child, that some readers may find upsetting.

At the Women's March in New York yesterday (January 22), Halsey read a powerful poem about sexual abuse, rape and miscarriage.

The singer (born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane) opens up about being assaulted as a child in 2002 and about talked about accompanying a friend, who had been raped, to Planned Parenthood in 2009.

In the poem, called 'A Story Like Mine', she also describes being forced to have sex with a boyfriend in 2012, and reveals she was sexually assaulted in 2017.

During her speech, she also talks about her experiences of losing a baby.

"It's 2009 and I'm 14 and I'm crying," Halsey 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."

Watch the speech in full below, and read the full transcript.

Stars including Reese Witherspoon, Debra Messing and Gina Rodriguez have praised Halsey for her speech, with Reese writing: "Blown away by this @halsey #TruthHasAVoice".

"Blown away by this insanely talented and brave woman @halsey", Rodriguez tweeted.

Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.

Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby. You can contact the Sands National Helpline on 0808 164 3332, or email helpline@sands.org.uk.

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