REESE WITHERSPOON was encouraged to speak out about domestic violence after a close friend fell victim to abuse.
The Oscar-winning actress is spearheading a new campaign in Britain to tackle the problem of violence against women, as part of her role as honorary chairwoman of the Avon Foundation.
She spoke in front of British politicians in London on Wednesday (02Dec09) to highlight the cause, and revealed the issue had touched her personally through an unnamed pal.
Witherspoon says, "She was a young woman and felt intimidated and ashamed and I was lucky enough to be in a situation where she confided in me. There remains what can seem like an impenetrable wall of silence around violence and we must all play a role in breaking this silence.
?I?ve seen so many people who have suffered in silence and who are embarrassed or ashamed. You?re not alone and if you reach out there?s someone next door to you in your life who is ready to give you support and care and love and it?s important to know that.?
Witherspoon's anti-domestic violence drive has been launched in conjunction with the Four Ways To Speak Out campaign by charity Refuge. (LR/WNTEX/ZN)
- WENN.com