Amber Heard pens heartfelt essay about domestic abuse

Amber Heard has penned an emotional open letter urging victims of domestic violence to find their inner “strength” and speak up.

Writing for Porter magazine’s December issue, she begins the powerful essay: “You are not alone. You may have suffered alone behind closed doors, but you are not alone. You need to know that.”

“I want to remind you of your strength, a strength that has been multiplied by the number of women who stand silently behind you–a truth that allowed me to break down the doors I once found myself behind.”

The 30-year-old actress continued by opening up about the “cold, hard, truth” women who find themselves victims of domestic violence have to deal with.

“Let’s start with the truth—the cold, hard truth. When a woman comes forward to speak out about injustice or her suffering, instead of aid, respect and support, she will be met with hostility, skepticism and shame.”

“Her motives will be questioned and her truth ignored.”

“It takes real strength to come forward,” she continued. “It isn’t easy to raise your voice, to stand up for yourself and your truth, and to do it ‘alone.’”

The talented star concluded her letter by hinting about her own personal experiences, claiming she found it difficult being labelled a ‘victim’.

“I was raised to be independent and self-reliant. I was never given nor wanted the burden of dependency. I never felt like anyone would or could rescue me, so naturally I resented the label of ‘victim,’” she wrote.

Amber signed of the letter with a powerful message of support to women suffering at the hands of domestic violence.

“As I write this today, I can promise every woman who is suffering in silence, you are not alone. You may not see us, but we are there.”

Amber is currently in the final stages of concluded her divorce from ex husband Johnny Depp, having filed a domestic violence restraining order against the 53-year-old actor earlier this year.

Back in August, the former couple agreed to a settlement, with the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them actor agreeing to pay his ex wife $6.8 million, which she plans to donate to charity.

In a joint statement, the couple described their relationship as “volatile”, saying: “Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love.”

It also said there was no “intent” to cause physical harm.

According to TMZ, there is a confidentiality clause in their divorce, which prohibits the actress from speaking about her ex-husband.

So while Amber’s heartfelt letter doesn’t specifically mention her relationship with Johnny, some legal experts have argued the letter is so pointed it could be considered a violation of their agreement.

We hope not because pointed or not, Amber’s voice needs to be heard.

What do you think of Amber’s essay? Let us know @YahooStyleUK

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