EVAN RACHEL WOOD has shared a powerful letter on Twitter in which she discusses being raped twice.
The Westworld actor also spoke about the assaults in a recent Rolling Stone interview.
In the letter, she wrote about why she decided to go public, noting: “I don’t believe we live in a time where people can stay silent any longer.
Not given the state our world is in with its blatant bigotry and sexism. It should be talked about because it’s swept under the rug as nothing and I will not accept this as ‘normal’. It’s a serious problem.
Wood said she was raped on two separate occasions, once by a significant other and once by a bar owner.
The first time I was unsure that if it was done by a partner it was still in fact rape, until too late. Also who would believe me. And the second time, I thought it was my fault and that I should have fought back more, but I was scared.
Wood said she attempted suicide in her 20s but noted: “I am still standing. I am alive. I am happy. I am strong.
“But I am still not ok. I think it’s important for people to know that, for survivors to own that, and that the pressure to just get over it already, should be lifted.”
If you need to talk, contact:
- Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- National Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247 – (suicideprevention, self-harm, bereavement)
- Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
- Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
- Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
- Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can be contacted on 1800 77 88 88.
Read: 21% of Irish people think sex without consent is okay in certain situations
Read: Calls for legislation on definition of consent following Supreme Court ruling in rape case
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