Domestic abuse: we must debunk myths about what victims look like

Nurses can safeguard women experiencing domestic or sexual violence – but miss important cues if they misunderstand survivor behaviours

The recent defamation trial between actors and former spouses Johnny Depp and Amber Heard dominated social media for several weeks.

There was much online discussion about how a ‘real’ victim of domestic abuse or sexual violence behaves or what ‘true’ survivors look like.

This led to many myths and misconceptions being aired publicly and shared by thousands, even millions of people. For example, supporters of Mr Depp questioned Ms Heard’s level of bruising in photographs shared with the court, and dismissed her tears during the trial as ‘bad acting’.