Melissa Benoist, star of The CW’s Supergirl, first opened up about her experience with domestic violence in November 2019 on Instagram. She was met with an outpouring of support from fans. Now, more than half a year later, in this extended edit, she retells parts of her story -- from the first signs of violent behavior to an incident that sent her to the ER for a permanent eye injury to the freedom of rebuilding her life -- and reflects on what other people need to know about the reality of intimate partner violence.

The United Nations estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to 15 million new cases of relationship abuse globally. For anyone currently experiencing this, Melissa wants you to know you’re not alone: “It might feel that you’re more trapped than ever, and it’s worse than it’s been, but it’s possible [to get out], and you deserve to have a different life.”

*** If you or someone you know needs support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) for confidential support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to speak with a counselor at the Crisis Text Hotline. Both services are totally anonymous.

To support the Together For Her initiative, which funds organizations that help survivors rebuild their lives, go to www.care.org/togetherforher ***
________

Melissa first shared this message in May during Night of Solidarity, a digital event dedicated to deepening society’s understanding of domestic violence. (Watch the program here:    • Night Of Solidarity | Refinery29  ) The event was produced by The Meteor, (https://wearethemeteor.com/), a group of journalists, artists and activists building a new platform committed to the equality and dignity of all women.