Amber Heard has released an emotional video of herself holding back tears as she talks about domestic violence.
The actress split from husband Johnny Depp earlier this year after alleging that he was “verbally and physically abusive” to her during their relationship.
In the video recorded for GirlGaze, she starts off by questioning: “How is this happening to me? I’m strong, I’m smart, I’m not a victim.
“To my detriment, there’s a lot of shame attached to that label of victim.”
Amber continues: “As was pointed out to me, if a stranger did this it would be a no-brainer.”
Talking about how grateful she is to have had close friends for support, she says: “If I hadn’t had them around me, how different my life would be.”
She adds: “Just as a woman having gone through this in the public stage, in the public arena that I did it, I have a unique opportunity to remind other women this doesn’t have to be the way it is.
You don’t have to do it alone, you’re not alone. We can change this.
The star finishes: “Speak up, raise your voice. Your voice is the most powerful thing and we as women standing shoulder to shoulder will not any longer accept silence.”
The couple reached a settlement in August with Amber receiving $7 million (£5.6 million), all of which she donated to the American Civil Liberties Union for their work to stop violence against women and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
She also dismissed her restraining order against Johnny.
Amber and Johnny released a joint statement about their divorce, saying: “Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love.
“Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.”