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Video: Amber Heard Speaks Out In Domestic Violence PSA
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.
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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.
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.
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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
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