I Stand With Amber

Headlines across popular media outlets and social media platforms were awash with the news of Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s split last week. The couple, both famous in their own right, met in 2011 during their co-starring roles in The Rum Diary and married in February last year.

Johnny fell for Amber and their romance bloomed before our eyes – stepping out on the red carpet, arm in arm, living the life we all dream of. But away from the cameras and behind closed doors it seems they lived an entirely different reality. It came to light amidst their divorce announcements that an altercation at the pair’s home last Saturday resulted in Amber filing for a temporary restraining order due to domestic abuse. Photos of Amber have since been released of her bruised face following their argument.

This shocking revelation has unveiled that the incident seems to be one in a long line of violent altercations between the couple over the course of their relationship. If the rumours circulating this case reveal themselves to be true, it will also be true that Amber’s relationship with Johnny has been anything but happy and safe, and that we as a society have failed her.

Make no mistake, I stand with Amber. Johnny is a fantastic actor, a loving father and a wonderful friend, but none of these things come close to excusing his abusive behaviour. I’m not here to say whether domestic abuse did or did not occur during their relationship, that is between Amber, Johnny and now the US Court of Law. I am here however to shed light on the worrying aspect of victim blaming.

Stories online have resulted in comments citing Amber’s bisexuality, her age and even her ‘rank’ below Johnny in Hollywood  as potential reasons for tension between the two. For some strange reason society views itself as fit to make these judgements and place blame – especially since this is not just about a divorce settlement, but about abuse.

When someone is subject to domestic abuse we tell them to speak out and seek help, yet when they do we find fault in their actions, excuse the abuser and do nothing of value to actually help the victim or make changes for the future. Why? Because it is simply easier to brush over than addressing the issue of abuse. Here is a woman who stands to lose so much, against a man of great power and yet all we’re worried about is how we will forever view Captain Jack Sparrow…

If you or anyone you know is the victim of abuse, please do seek help by calling the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone helpline 0808 2000 247.