Amber Heard Speaks About Her Experience With Domestic Abuse In A Raw New PSA
"Telling someone safe is the beginning of choosing yourself."
Amber Heard has spoken out about her experiences with domestic violence in an emotional video for the EU’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Towards Women.
Recorded in partnership with #girlgaze, a feminist photography and multi-media initiative, the two minute video sees Heard, who recently divorced from her husband Johnny Depp citing abusive behaviour, speak openly about how difficult it is to escape from a violent relationship, while encouraging other women to raise their voices.
“I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that label of ‘victim,’ says Heard. “It happens to so many women. When it happens in your home, behind closed doors, with someone you love, it’s not as straightforward.”
“Telling someone safe is the beginning of choosing yourself,” she continues. “If I hadn’t had that, if I hadn’t had a few people that I really trust around me, a few women, support, a few friends, if I didn’t have them around me, how different my life would be.”
Heard says she is determined to draw on her experience as a means of helping others. “Just as a woman having gone through this in the public stage, in the public arena that I did it in, I 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,” she says.
“Violence against women is not limited to actual physical violence. It is also about how we deal with it and how we talk about it in the media and in our culture. And us taking responsibility for it is what really needs to change. We need to take responsibility for how we talk about these things. The only way that people are going to feel comfortable coming forward, raising their voices, standing up for themselves, is if we change the system in place that keeps them quiet.”
—
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.