Boss lady Rachael Taylor has opened up about the stigma of “shame” women can face from experiencing domestic violence, discussing that she instead feels proud to have made it out the “other side” after filing for an AVO against her then-fiancé Matthew Newton in 2010.
When a Daily Life reporter questioned Rachael about whether or not “addressing her experience of domestic violence” concerned her because “some people might use it as a stamp to define her” in a recent article, the Aussie actress replied, “I think you are talking about the perspective of surviving a violent relationship from a place of shame.”
Rachael continued “That’s part of that broader ‘shame’ stigma, and I am not ashamed. If it is stamped on me in any respect, that is something I am very proud of, because I am on the other side of it… “
Photo: Getty
The Jessica Jones star is also “very optimistic about change” in this area and hopeful that more women will be able to take action, explaining that she is “genuinely buoyed” by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s announcement of a $100 million funding package towards ending domestic violence.
“There’s judicial reform that’s needed. We need to find a language around [the fact that only] half of the women who find themselves in intimate-partner violence feel they can report it,” she explained. “Only half. That’s not good enough.”
Rachael knows too well what it’s like to come forward after experiencing domestic violence, with press reports outlining claims of sustained physical, verbal and mental abuse, as well as death threats, during her time with Matthew. Five years after the incident was heavily publicised through the media, Rachael is using her profile to make a difference and show the world that there is a way out.
“People transform. Women transform, they are remarkable at it, and I don’t think any woman should feel marred by a moment in time that is very difficult to transition out of, but possible.”
If you or someone you know has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault, you can call 1800 RESPECT, a 24 hour National Sex Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line.
[Via Daily Life]
