So many lessons from the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial. Here’s the top ones on JDI’s list:
#1 We need more education about the dynamics of intimate partner violence and how to distinguish between unhealthy and toxic relationships and behaviors and the abuse of power and control.
#2 Rape culture and victim blaming are deeply embedded, and we should all be concerned when someone shares their truth about experiencing violence, they are mocked, belittled and dismissed. This reaction serves to fortify barriers for survivors disclosing to anyone what they have or are experiencing.
#3 Sexual and domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identities…and yet not everyone is impacted equally or at the same rate.
#4 Patriarchy and white supremacy culture, alone and combined, normalize violence and the notion of power over others. We need to dig deep to change these underlying habits and values and work towards racial justice and gender equity if we truly want to see an end to rape culture, domestic and sexual violence.
We urge anyone who is concerned about their behavior to reach out for help. Contact services such as the 10to10Helpline.org in Massachusetts.
If you are concerned about your relationship or for someone you know, you are not alone. Reach out for help – https://janedoe.org/findhelp – for free and confidential services.