Amber Heard Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence In New Video For #GirlGaze

In an emotional new video released with female-identifying photographer collective #GirlGaze, Amber Heard opens up with a deeply personal message about domestic abuse. Her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, is never explicitly named in the PSA (she is reportedly bound by a confidentiality clause per their divorce agreement), but she's hoping that her words will encourage other victims to persevere and survive their own ordeals.

Heard and Depp made headlines this year when, after a year of marriage, she filed for divorce from Depp, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for the split. As details emerged about the separation, a much darker picture of the relationship ended up being painted. Heard eventually filed a restraining order against Depp, providing photographic evidence which alleged she had been violently abused. The two eventually settled their differences, with Heard receiving $7 million from the dispute—all of which she donated to the American Civil Liberties Union “with a particular focus to stop violence against women.”

Now, this latest heartwrenching video has Heard opening up about the stigma attached to being a victim of abuse.

“I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that—that label of victim," she says, holding back tears. "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.”

“I have a unique opportunity to remind other women... this doesn’t have to be the way it is," she continues. "You don’t have to do it alone. You’re not alone. And also, we can change this. Violence against women is not limited to actual physical violence.”

If you or anyone you know is threatened by issues of domestic violence, seek help and counsel via the National Domestic Violence Hotline at TheHotline.org.