‘Supergirl’ Star Melissa Benoist Opens Up About Domestic Violence Experience

Supergirl actress Melissa Benoist opens up about her experience as a survivor of domestic violence.

On her official Instagram, Melissa Benoist shared a 14-minute video opening up about a previous relationship she had with a man she claims used violence against her during their relationship. Melissa Benoist opened her account with the following statement:

“I am a survivor of domestic violence, or IPV, intimate partner violence.”

The Supergirl actress never named her alleged abuser by name in the video. Melissa Benoist described the abuse involved in the relationship starting out as a means of emotional manipulation. In the video, Melissa Benoist continued to explain how her alleged abuser would get angry over her speaking with other men as well as sharing scenes with men in a romantic sense during productions:

“Work in general was a touchy subject. He didn’t want me ever kissing or even having flirtatious scenes with men, which was very hard for me to avoid, so I began turning down auditions, job offers, test deals and friendships, because I didn’t want to hurt him.”

Melissa Benoist described a breaking point with her abuser in which he threw an iPhone at her face, which broke her nose and tore her iris nearly rupturing her eyeball. The Supergirl actress recounted that she was lying to her nurses about the nature of the injury due to the emotional manipulation she experienced from her abuser. She has since cut off all contact with him.

You can watch Supergirl star Melissa Benoist’s full video opening up about her experience as a domestic violence survivor here.

Melissa Benoist also shared the following post promoting Futures Without Violence, an organization described as follows, “Working to end violence against women, children, and families around the world, for over 35 years.” The post also includes the domestic violence hotline for those vulnerable: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

For those who may also be experiencing domestic violence and abuse relationships, follow Supergirl star Melissa Benoist’s advice and call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also go on to Futureswithoutviolence.org to help raise awareness about breaking the cycle of such abuse.

Source: Instagram