Amber Heard [1] is offering words of encouragement [2] for people suffering from domestic violence. The actress, who is currently settling her divorce [3] with Johnny Depp [4], wrote a heartfelt essay about the subject [5] in the December issue of Porter magazine. "You are not alone," she explained. "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."

She also took a moment to criticize the blatant sexism that comes with domestic violence. "Let's start with the truth — the cold, hard truth," she continued. "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." She added that "it takes real strength to come forward" and that "it isn't easy to raise your voice, to stand up for yourself and your truth, and to do it 'alone.'"

The actress ended her essay by opening up about her own experience with domestic violence [6] and encouraging others to speak up. After she filed for divorce from Johnny in May, she followed it up with a restraining order, which included allegations of physical abuse and a graphic photo of her bruised face [7]. "I was raised to be independent and self-reliant," she said. "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.' 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."