As Angelina Jolie is dubbed ‘another Amber Heard’, we must face up to the troubling legacy of Depp v Heard | CPT PPP Coverage

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It’s easy (and perhaps weirdly comforting) to believe that this troubling rhetoric is limited to A-listers who, if they’re going to be discredited and victim-blamed, at least get to endure it within luxurious confines. But it’s just not the case: in September this year, a man named Sean Lloyd was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for attacking his ex-partner. Her victim statement, which was read in Leeds Crown Court, described how she thought Lloyd would strangle her to death and that he had her saved as  “Amber Heard” on his phone (via Yorkshire Live). 

Clearly, this issue is not limited to Hollywood. 

Carmel Offord, who works for Independent Domestic Abuse Services, spoke to GLAMOUR about the impact of Depp v Heard on survivors, noting that “The public response to the defamation case filed by Johnny Depp against Amber Heard was a disturbing demonstration of why so many victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence feel unable to access support or report to the police. 

“People were quick to choose sides, treating the trial like a sport, cheering, and jeering from the sidelines. Victim-survivors tell us that this is one of the barriers to them speaking out, they fear they will be disbelieved, judged, and their credibility questioned. Many will understandably be concerned about another, very public, case dominating the press and media.”

Carmel described that “The Brad Pitt vs Angelina Jolie trial could have a similar impact on victims and survivors,” adding that, “In both cases, the use of language to describe women who make allegations of domestic abuse is of particular concern, with some people suggesting that allegations are made out of spite or vengefulness. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of domestic abuse victims and survivors. In reality, it is very rare for people to make false allegations.

“As a society we are precariously positioned; progress that has been made to reduce the stigma of speaking out about domestic abuse is facing a backlash which threatens to roll us back into the dark and secrecy of years gone by.

“It takes immense bravery and courage to speak out about abuse and it can be very worrying to share your experiences not knowing how people will respond or what exactly will happen next. The public simultaneously applauds the courage of victim-survivors whilst also subjecting them to levels of scrutiny that are not replicated in any other area of life or with any other crime.

“Whatever our individual thoughts on these trials, we have a responsibility to victim-survivors everywhere to model a rational and considered response and to encourage people to speak out about their experiences assured of their safety. The alternative is too grim to consider, a society where victims and survivors dare not speak of the abuse and violence for fear of repercussions, yet perpetrators are emboldened to continue with impunity.”

Finally, Carmel adds, “IDAS have always stood for victims-survivors and continue to work tirelessly to challenge misogyny and other outdated attitudes and beliefs that underpin violence and abuse. We need you to stand with us and show anyone who has been subjected to the horror of domestic abuse and sexual violence that we are here, and we will listen.”

GLAMOUR also spoke to Deniz U?ur, Deputy Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, who said, “Much of the reporting of [Depp v Heard] was not only triggering for survivors but also played a role in reinforcing harmful stereotypes about victims, while showing a complete lack of understanding or empathy for the impact of trauma on victims.