A Domestic Violence Support Group Was Flooded With Calls After Depp Vs Heard Verdict
A domestic violence counselling service has expressed concern over the effect the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial has had on victim-survivors.
CONTENT WARNING: This story discusses domestic violence.
Full Stop Australia say they have seen a spike in calls for support, after the jury’s verdict that Heard defamed Depp in the United States on Wednesday.
“We need to move away from the idea that there is a perfect victim, and if they’re not perfect, that they’re lying, that they’re exaggerating,” said Chief Executive Hayley Foster to A Current Affair. “This case, and cases like it, make it difficult for people to speak out and it does have a very chilling and silencing effect.”
Persistent commentary, social media vitriol, as well as footage evidence being shared on social media, has had a damaging effect on those who have been through similar experiences — having to relive the past, see the sway of public opinion, and question whether or not they will be believed if they too speak up.
“It can be quite traumatising for people who have experienced domestic and family violence because the issues and the experiences that are brought up in the courtroom can be quite triggering,” said Senior Researcher at male domestic violence survivor campaign One in Three, Greg Andresen to SBS about the impact of high profile cases.
“For male victims, when they seek help or when they tell their story, they’re disbelieved or their experiences are minimised or downplayed.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in six women, and one in 17 men have experienced partner violence. Mission Australia also shared that 75 percent of victims of domestic violence reported the perpetrator as male, while 25 percent reported the perpetrator as female.
The trial — while only meant to establish if Heard defamed Depp, and not legally ascertain criminal guilt from either party — shed light on the pair’s respective, aggressive behaviour towards one another. However, it was Heard who copped the majority of death threats, mocks, and insults online over the six-week period.
“Domestic violence can happen to anyone – whether you’re male, female, transgender, gay, straight, it doesn’t matter,” said Andresen to SBS. “And if it happens to you, you should come forward and tell your case and seek help.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the following services. In an emergency, call 000.
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- Mensline: 1300 789 978
- Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 131 114