Amber Heard, who earlier this year divorced Johnny Depp amidst allegations of abuse, has released a tearful PSA encouraging victims of domestic violence to "speak up."
Done in collaboration with #girlgaze, a project aiming to "generate visibility and support for the next generation of female-identifying photographers," Heard is seen in the video holding back tears as she discusses the stigma of being a victim.
I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that label of "victim." 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.
Telling someone safe is the beginning of choosing yourself.
Heard then encourages victims to speak out, saying the way to combat domestic violence is not just by addressing the abusers, but also giving voice to the abused:
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.
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.
Depp's name is never once mentioned in the video.
Heard pledged to donate the $7 million divorce settlement with Depp to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the ACLU (with the money earmarked for domestic violence victims), but later accused him of using the donation as a mere tax write-off.
