Amber Heard’s courage is a boost to domestic abuse survivors
IT was a relief to hear Johnny Depp had been unsuccessful, as many thought he could control his reputation with his fame and wealth.
The case has brought out so much hatred and misogyny towards Amber Heard.
Had he won I fear it would stop people speaking out about abuse they suffered.
There is no perfect victim. Many who have lived with abuse are not the cowering type we may think they should be.
After many years of abuse I was ready to fight for my life at any given moment.
People were surprised when they found out about the horrific abuse I suffered. Many said: “You’re a strong person. I can’t imagine you putting up with that.”
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People have judged Amber Heard based on audio clips and other media shared online without context and based on the stardom and likeability of Johnny Depp.
I believe her. I’m an expert in domestic abuse and I know how much it took for her to say what she has.
This means others will come forward. They know, no matter what their abuser says, they can be believed.
HOW YOU CAN GET HELP:
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a . from 10am to noon.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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