PHOTOSChristina Aguilera Breaks Down In Tears Talking About Surviving Domestic Violence
Oct. 9 2019, Published 5:55 p.m. ET
Christina Aguilera became emotional as she spoke through tears about her experience growing up in a home affected by domestic violence. The singer was honored by The Shade Tree shelter and received the Community Hero award. Christina, 38, recalled difficult times from her childhood and emphasized the importance of spreading awareness.
The Shade Tree, which is the only 24-hour accessible shelter for domestic violence victims in Southern Nevada, offers “life-changing services promotion stability, dignity and self-reliance,” according to their website.
“It’s just disgusting and it happens far too much to people that we do love,” the “Reflection” singer said in a video that she shared on her Instagram account. “And it is very dear to my heart, because I did grow up in violence and I’m a survivor of it — as I’m sure many of you are — and I’m affected by it.”
She also spoke of how the shelter’s work had such an impact on her life. “It’s so important, the work that you put into this. That so many volunteers put into this, and your donations. They do mean so much to me,” the “Beautiful” singer said.
"It’s such a part of who I am, the music that I make, the lyrics that I write, from ‘Fighter’ to ‘Beautiful.’ Everything,” Christina continued. “It truly does come from the heart. If it doesn’t feel genuine to me, I just don’t do it, because authenticity’s so important. That’s why I don’t mind the tears and the lashes coming off because there’s more important things in life than an eyelash right?”
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Christina went into detail about her experience growing up in a home plagued by domestic violence in the caption of her Instagram post. “I remember often having to up and escape in the middle of the night with my mom & little sister,” she wrote, “having just the clothes on our backs, to drive cross country for shelter at my grandma’s house. Without that, I would have had to turn to a place like @shadetreevegas for shelter.”
She added, “I have so much respect and adoration for those who give their time and support to hear these victims’ stories and help them regain strength, self empowerment and provide resources for a better independent future.”
The “Genie In a Bottle” singer concluded her emotional post by encouraging people to speak up about domestic violence issues in order to break the cycle. She told fans to reach out for help from organizations such as the National Domestic Hotline, The Shade Tree, or to find a local shelter. “We need to use our voices to speak up, reach out and help one another break these deep rooted cycles and empower each other to end these patterns,” Christina said.
Christina also donates $1 from each ticket sold to her Las Vegas residency show at Planet Hollywood to The Shade Tree.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org.
