Team Amber or Team Johnny?

Unless you have been marooned on a desert island, you will have no doubt followed some of the coverage of the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. 

For those who don’t know much about the trial, here is a very brief recap… 

Amber Heard is being sued by her ex-husband, the actor, Johnny Depp for $50 million for implying that he was violent towards her within a Washington Post article in 2018. 

Johnny Depp was not actually named within the article, but he states that the domestic violence allegations have meant that he has lost work and therefore money.  

Amber Heard is counter suing Johnny Depp for $100 million. 

Much of the evidence that has been presented by both Johnny Depp and Amber Heard so far, has focused on the alleged violence in their marriage. Both claim that the other was abusive and violent.  

Regardless of who you believe is telling the truth, this has in turn shone a spotlight on domestic violence, and specifically violence against men.  

The Office for National Statistics figures show that every year one in three victims of domestic abuse is male, equating to 757,000 men. 

Half of male victims fail to tell anyone that they are a victim of domestic abuse, and 11% of male victims have sadly considered taking their own life due to abuse suffered at the hands of their partner. 

Anyone can find themselves, through no fault of their own, in an abusive relationship, regardless of their gender. And if there is anything positive to come from this court case, it is that an increasing number of victims of domestic abuse have been given a voice and have stepped forward to seek help. 

At MSB, we represent many clients that have been subjected to abuse, and we have noticed a marked increase in the number of male survivors that, because of the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, wish to take action to protect themselves. 

The MSB family team is here, waiting to assist anyone wishing to end an unhealthy relationship. Please contact us on 0151 281 9040 for a no obligation, completely confidential chat. 

Alternatively, if you are not ready to take legal action but need some additional support, please find below a selection of organisations that may be able to assist: 

*Please always ensure you ring 999 if you are at immediate risk of harm* 

Assistance for male victims- 

• Men’s Advice-Line- 0808 8010327 
• ManKind Initiative- (for male victims of domestic abuse) 01823 334244 
• Dads Unlimited – https://www.dadsunltd.org.uk/  

 

Assistance for female victims- 

• Women’s Aid – https://www.womensaid.org.uk/  
• Rights of Women – https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/advice-lines/  

 

Assistance for LGBT+ victims- 

• National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 

 

General assistance for all victims of abuse- 

• Samaritans 24/7 service – 116 123