Katy Perry & President Obama Tackle Domestic Violence During The Grammys

At tonight's Grammy awards, President Obama delivered a recorded message about domestic violence. He shared statistics about the rate of sexual and domestic violence against women, telling Americans that artists have a special way to help alter attitudes and influence change. In closing, he reminded viewers of the #ItsOnUs campaign, a government initiative to raise awareness and create resources for those suffering domestic violence. Then, the audience heard from Brooke Axtell, an activist, spoken-word artist, and domestic-abuse survivor. Axtell shared her personal story of domestic violence, and how a single conversation with her mother  saved her life. "If you're in a relationship with someone who doesn't honor or respect you, I want you to know you are worthy of love," Axtell told the crowd. "Please reach out for help." Katy Perry followed Axtell, performing "By The Grace Of God," from her Prism album.  She wore a white floor-length gown that looked somewhat familiar. For Axtell, the performance was a natural pairing with her story. "I don't see myself as a victim. I see myself as a warrior for peace and healing," she told People in an interview earlier this week. "I've taken back my power and now I want to honor and elevate the voices of those who have been silenced by abuse." Below, President Obama's message.