Amber Heard has tearfully opened up about domestic violence against women.
The actress’ divorce with ex-husband Johnny Depp streamed from allegations that the actor was physically and verbally aggressive towards her.
The American recalled thinking, “How is this happening to me? I’m strong, I’m smart, I’m not a victim,” but admitted it was her “detriment.”
Domestic abuse: Allegations were made against Johnny for being physically violent towards Amber | GK FILMS
In the video, Amber tried to break down the stigma attached to the label “victim” and the “shame attached to that label.”
“It happens to so many women,”she said in a video for the Girl Gaze movement.
“When it happens in your home behind closed doors with someone you love, it’s not as straight forward as if a stranger did this.
“If a stranger had done this, it would be [a] no brainer.”
The publicity of Amber’s gruelling divorce battle was very public, but as the 30-year-old said, her publicity gives her a voice to talk about domestic violence.
“As a woman having gone through this in the public stage, in the public arena that I did it in, I am able [to] have a unique opportunity to remind other women not only that this doesn’t have to be the way it is, you don’t have to do it alone.
“You’re not alone. We can change this. Violence against women is not limited to actual physical violence. It is also how we deal with it and how we talk about it in the media, in our culture,” she added.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, you can find out more information on Your Mental Health’s website for both men and women HERE.
