Nicole Kidman Just Wrote a Powerful Open Letter About Domestic Violence
Following her Emmy win for her role as Celeste, a domestic abuse survivor on HBO’s Big Little Lies, Nicole Kidman wrote a powerful essay addressing domestic violence and how it affects women in the winter issue of Porter Magazine.
“It never occurred to me that I should be at a disadvantage because I was born a girl,” Kidman wrote. “The idea that women and men are equal is part of my DNA. I was raised by a strong feminist mother and a fully supportive father.” For many, this is the case until they grow up and experience sexism in the workplace or sexual harassment on the street, but for others equality has never been a reality.
“My feminist roots have also led me to U.N. Women and my work as its Goodwill Ambassador,” she added. “It is in this role that I come to fully understand the barriers that women around the world are facing. I have focused on lending my voice to women who are survivors of violence. The stories I have heard from them have shaken me to the core and changed me forever.” Daily Mail noted that Kidman has been working with abuse victims for the past 10 years.
“More than ever, I am aware of the need to support and celebrate each other,” Kidman wrote. “I like to believe I am part of a global support group network of 3.4 billion.”
She went on to reflect on how each woman, herself included, has likely felt the inequality pushed on them just because they are a woman.
“In those moments, I like to think of those who have my back, who lifted me up and encouraged me to believe in myself. Imagine: if you can fall back on the 3.5 billion sisters, and the many good men who are with us, what could we possibly not achieve?”
Kidman also addressed domestic abuse in her Emmy acceptance speech, thanking the Emmy voters for acknowledging the importance of her role. “We shined a light on domestic abuse,” Kidman said. “It is a complicated, insidious disease, but it exists far more than we allow ourselves to know. It is filled with shame and secrecy and by you acknowledging me with this award it shines a light on it even more, so thank you, thank you, thank you.”
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