CONTENT WARNING: Some of the posts below may be triggering for those who have suffered from domestic abuse and/or self-harm. Please proceed with caution.
Evan Rachel Wood has never been one to stay silent. She has led her career with a bracing openness and authenticity, whether she is discussing her sexuality or her experience with sexual abuse. Wood testified before congress discussing her experiences with rape, sexual abuse, and PTSD during a hearing on the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act.
Now, the Westworld actor has taken to Instagram, where in a series of posts she details her experiences with domestic abuse and self-harm. She first posted images from a 2010 photo shoot with Chris Evans for Elle magazine, describing how at the time of the shoot, she was physically and emotionally exhausted from her toxic relationship. “The day of this photoshoot, I was so weakened by an abusive relationship … I was emaciated, severely depressed, and could barely stand. I fell into a pool of tears and was sent home for the day.”
Wood was engaged to rocker Marilyn Manson at the time, though she never names Manson as her abuser.
Woods then posted a photo showing a series of self-harm scars on her arm with the caption, “2 years into my abusive relationship
I resorted to self harm. When my abuser would threaten or attack me, I cut my wrist as a way to disarm him. It only made the abuse stop temporarily. At that point I was desperate to stop the relentless abuse and I was too terrified to leave. #IAmNotOk”
She followed with a video of herself talking to the camera, where she discusses the lingering effects of the trauma and PTSD. In a devastating confession, she says “I’m not ok because no matter how much work I do I’m still searching for some sort of peace and I’m searching to feel safe … I’m still trying to put all this behind me but I don’t know if I’ll ever be fully able to do that. I’m not OK because I don’t remember what it feels like to not be scared.”
While the video is emotional and hard to watch, it’s a testament to Wood’s strength and courage. By sharing her story with the world, she encourages more survivors to come forward and seek help. Since her posts, #IAmNotOk has been trending on social media. With the statute of limitations is up for Wood’s abuse, she encourages her followers to speak out.
#IAmNotOk because I will never see justice. I didnt process and recover from my trauma in time and the SOL prevents me from reporting. So please dont keep telling me to go to the police or press charges. I cant.
I can only try and make sure it doesnt happen to others. 💜— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) March 12, 2019
If you’re suffering from domestic abuse, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline online or by calling 1-800-799-7233.
If you have experienced sexual assault, you can contact RAINN online or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE(4673) for confidential support from a trained staff member.
If you are suffering from self-harm, please reach out to someone you trust and contact S.A.F.E. Alternatives or call 1-800-366-8288.
(via BBC, image: HBO)
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