Amber Heard asks women to speak up against domestic violence

Amber Heard, whose own abuse allegations against former husband Johnny Depp made headlines earlier this year, recently opened up about her experience and encouraged other victims to “speak up” against domestic violence.

The 30-year-old teamed up with the ‘#GirlGaze Project’ to create an emotionally-charged two-minute video, where the actress speaks directly to the camera, urging women to “raise your voice” because it is the “most powerful” thing, reports E! Online.

In this November 3, 2011 file photo, US actors Johnny Depp, left, and Amber Heard arrive for the European premiere of their film, The Rum Diary, in London. He left his longtime partner, Vanessa Paradis, then took the step of marriage with Heard. Were they more odd than fairytale? Definitely. So when Heard filed for divorce earlier this year, alleging drunken rage and physical abuse, media and the public ate up the details, including Heard's display of facial bruises and a video of a raging Depp she secretly shot at home. (AP)

“Speak up, speak up. Raise your voice, your voice is the most powerful thing and we, together, as women standing shoulder to shoulder cannot and will not any longer accept silence,” she encouraged.

At many points in the video, Heard is seen fighting back tears, as she describes in detail the “shame” she felt through her experience.

“I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that label of ‘victim,’“ Heard explained. “It happens to so many women. When it happens in your home, behind closed doors, with someone you love, it’s not as straightforward. If a stranger did this it would be a no-brainer.”

Heard also expressed that she believed there should be a greater focus on the negative stigma attached to reporting instances of domestic abuse and how to combat it, instead of solely addressing the attackers. (REUTERS)

The Drive Angry star then reflected on the support she received from close confidants.

“If I hadn’t had a few people that I really trust around me, a few women support, a few friends. If I hadn’t had them around me, how different my life would be,” she shared.

Heard also expressed that she believed there should be a greater focus on the negative stigma attached to reporting instances of domestic abuse and how to combat it, instead of solely addressing the attackers.

“We need to take responsibility for how we talk about these things. The only way people are going to feel comfortable coming forward, raising their voices and standing up for themselves, is if we change the system in place that keeps them quiet,” Heard said.

At the end of the former couple’s lengthy divorce battle, Depp agreed to pay Amber a 7 million dollars settlement, all of which she requested be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

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First Published: Nov 26, 2016 15:31 IST