Alice Glass recalls domestic abuse ahead of charity single launch

Singer Alice Glass is launching her solo career with a charity single.

The former Crystal Castles frontwoman will release her debut track, Stillbirth, on Saturday (18Jul15) and all proceeds from digital sales of the song will be donated to domestic abuse charity RAINN.

The single is Glass' first release since she split from Ethan Kath, ending the dance music duo in October (14).

Explaining her reasons for supporting RAINN - which stands for Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network - Glass reveals she was involved in an abusive relationship in her teens that almost destroyed her.

She says, "Years ago I began the process of trying to remove myself from an abusive relationship that started when I was a teenager. Over the course of that relationship I was systematically cut off from anyone and everyone that I could truly be close to. I was talked down to, yelled at, locked into rooms and criticized daily about my abilities, my weight, my looks, my intelligence and almost every move I made. When I couldn't take it anymore and I wanted to end the relationship I was threatened, then I was told I was loved, and the cycle would begin again.

"I want young women and young men to understand that this kind of treatment of others can happen where it might be least expected. Even in environments that thrive on creativity and open-mindedness, that advocate artistic and counter-culture ideals...

"The clarity I've gained since getting out of that situation has opened up my life in a way that I didn't imagine was possible. Although some of the pain and anger still lingers, my life finally feels as though it has value and meaning. I speak out now hoping that I can encourage other young women and young men to affirm their value within their relationships or get out. Abuse isn't always obvious and it doesn't have to involve black eyes, blood and broken bones. Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging, and it is extremely difficult to remove yourself from.

"Those that have known me throughout my career might be surprised that someone who publicly gave the impression of being fearless and seemed as though they didn't take s**t from anyone could find themselves being severely mistreated and manipulated by someone they were close to. This person nearly stripped me of myself. And for years I felt as though they were waiting for my life to end."