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Amber Heard Won't Be Shamed Any Longer In Powerful Domestic Abuse PSA

Amber Heard Won’t Be Shamed Any Longer In Powerful Domestic Abuse PSA
GirlGaze
Amber Heard at the Glamour Women of the Year awards on Nov. 14.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images
Amber Heard at the Glamour Women of the Year awards on Nov. 14.

Amber Heard is raising awareness of domestic violence with a new PSA released months after settling her divorce with Johnny Depp, whom she previously accused of abusing her throughout their short marriage.

Heard speaks about what abuse feels like in the two-minute video released Friday, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in partnership with the Girl Gaze Project.

The actress never mentions Depp in the video ― she is reportedly bound by a confidentiality clause per their divorce agreement ― but it’s clear that she’s speaking from experience.

“I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that label of ‘victim,’” Heard says in the video. “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.”

“As a woman having gone through this in the public stage.... I have a unique opportunity to remind other women that this doesn’t have to be the way it is,” she continues. “You don’t have to do it alone. You’re not alone, and we can change this.”

Heard initially filed for divorce from Depp in May, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The two, who first met while shooting the film “The Rum Diary,” had been married for only 15 months. Shortly after filing, the actress submitted photo and video evidence of Depp’s alleged verbal and physical abuse, as well as a request for a restraining order against the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor.

Depp and Heard attend an event together in January 2016.
Jason LaVeris/Getty Images
Depp and Heard attend an event together in January 2016.

In August, the the actors reached an agreement, with Heard rescinding her restraining order request and dismissing the case with prejudice, which means she will not be able to re-file.

As for their divorce, Heard received $7 million to “walk away” from the marriage, according to TMZ, and donated the full settlement to the American Civil Liberties Union and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline operated by RAINN. For more resources, visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.

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