Ignore the media circus around Johnny Depp – victims of domestic abuse must feel safe to come forward

Our systems and institutions should not be used as a weapon to silence victims. We need to send a clear counter message: if you come forward we will protect you, writes Jess Phillips

Johnny Depp arrives at Southport Magistrates Court in 2016 (Getty)

Well, the verdict is in on the Johnny Depp trial. The trial for me was less about the individuals involved; I am uninterested in the “glamour” of a Hollywood trial about something so painful and difficult for all involved. As always, it is for the courts to decide on the outcome of any specific case. In this one, the Judge was clear: “I have found that the great majority of alleged assaults of Ms Heard by Mr Depp have been proved to the civil standard.” I should state that Mr Depp has not been convicted in a criminal court.  

More important, though, was what was happening outside of this courtroom. I didn’t want the media circus and publicity to put victims off coming forward, or for victims to get the message that they would face legal action if they did. I didn’t want old myths and stereotypes about who can and can’t be a victim to be played out in column inches. Once again, we in the public were invited to seek the “perfect victim”, as if such a thing exists in real life. It doesn’t.  

What also struck me was the potential risk of people seeing our legal system being used as a tool to silence victims of abuse – how the law can be used by those with most resource to continue to control a situation that involves abuse or harassment.