Amber Heard makes emotional domestic violence speech, begs other women to speak up

Amber Heard has spoken out about her struggle with domestic violence in a bid to help others. Photo / Getty Images

Amber Heard has shed light on her experience of domestic violence in a powerful new video released months after her split with husband Johnny Depp.

The Danish Girl star - who filed a restraining order against Depp in May, which was later dismissed - tearfully shared her personal story to promote the #GirlGaze campaign to end domestic violence.

"I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that label of victim," Heard said in the video.
"It happens to so many women you know. When it happens in your home behind closed doors with someone you love, it's not straightforward.

"If a stranger did this, as it was pointed out to me, if a stranger did this it would be a no-brainer."

Heard filed for divorce from Depp in May after 15 months of marriage, claiming the 53-year-old actor had physically and verbally abused her throughout their relationship. Depp denied the allegations.

Their divorce was settled in August and Heard dismissed the restraining order against the Pirates of the Caribbean star. She donated her divorce settlement of more than $9 million to charities that focused on ending domestic violence.

In the new video, Heard encouraged women experiencing violence to get help.

"If I hadn't had a few people that I really trust around me, a few women, support, a few friends. If I hadn't had them around me, how different my life would be," she said.

"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. And also, we can change this."

She ended the video by saying: "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."

The release of the video coincided the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which aims to start a conversation about domestic violence.