Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and rape. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy has revealed the shocking details of her kidnapping and sexual assault in an in-depth essay titled ‘The 5th House’.
Duffy had released two albums in her career, Rockferry in 2008 and Endlessly in 2010, then remained silent in the music world for nearly a decade. In February, the singer broke her silence to recount a shocking tale of what she had gone through, and why she had been absent for so long.
Taking to Instagram, Duffy had revealed that she had been drugged, held captive, and sexually assaulted. Now, she has posted an in-depth essay taking us through the harrowing experience she went through.
She begins with her own disclaimer, urging fans to “not read on” as it “contains information some may find upsetting,” and that some have noted that she would “pretty much be finished in whatever chances I have to make music publicly again.”
The singer went on to explain that she had been held captive for four weeks, repeatedly drugged, sexually assaulted, and even flown to a different country.
“I do not know how I had the strength to endure those days. I did feel the presence of something that helped me stay alive,” the singer stated.
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Throughout the aftermath of her survival, she has revealed that it’s difficult to get back to her normal life, stating that she isolated herself from others and had a “high risk of suicide”.
Duffy has exhibited strength in this matter, though, going on to say: “I am sharing this because we are living in a hurting world and I am no longer ashamed that something deeply hurt me, anymore. I believe that if you speak from the heart within you, the heart within others will answer.”
“As dark as my story is, I do speak from my heart, for my life, and for the life of others, whom have suffered the same.”
You can read her full essay recounting the terrible experience via Duffy Words.
Check out ‘Mercy’ by Duffy:
