Amber Heard has urged domestic abuse sufferers to speak out against their attackers as they don’t have to do it "alone".
The 30-year-old actress has recently settled her divorce with fellow actor Johnny Depp after claiming he was "verbally and physically abusive" to her during the course of their relationship – allegations she has since dropped – and the blonde beauty has now penned an open letter to other women living in similar situations, urging them to find "strength" and stand together.
Writing in the letter published in Porter magazine’s December issue, the ‘Drive Angry’ star said: "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 ‘Justice League’ actress went on to admit that women who come forward are likely to be met with "hostility, scepticism, and shame", but that shouldn’t discourage them from speaking out.
She explained: "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, scepticism and shame.
"Her motives will be questioned and her truth ignored.
"It takes real strength to come forward.
"It isn’t easy to raise your voice, to stand up for yourself and your truth, and to do it ‘alone.’"
The talented star also opened up about her own experiences, saying she never wanted "the burden of dependency" and so found it difficult being labelled a "victim".
She wrote: "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.’"
Finally, Amber rounded out her letter by insisting that women who are "suffering in silence" are "not alone".
She said: "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 Heard pens domestic abuse letter
