CONTENT WARNING: This post deals with domestic violence and depression and may be triggering for some readers.
Australian actress Rebeca Gibney has opened up about her traumatic past and living in a home with domestic violence, in an emotional post to social media.
Earlier in the month, the darling of Aussie TV sat down with Andrew Denton for his special interview series on Channel Seven, where the Wanted actress discussed her battles with mental health and growing up in a family of domestic violence.
Now, Gibney has yet again opened up with a powerful message to those people living with domestic violence.
WATCH the powerful interview with Rebecca Gibney and Andrew Denton in the video below!
Along with a black and white photo of her parents, the Packed To The Rafter’s actress wrote: “Mama Shirl and my father in happier times. No one knows the inner battles so many people struggle with. The demons that take over. My father was a good man with many demons.
“If he had sought the help he needed, if he had been able to talk through his pain maybe he would still be here today.
“And just maybe he wouldn’t have inflicted his pain on my mother.”
Gibney continues her post by writing: “Domestic violence is not ok. It never has been. We need tougher penalties but we also need more support for those who do want to get help to break the cycle.
“If you are reading this and you are a victim of domestic violence or the perpetrator please do something about it. Get help. It’s out there. 🙏🏻”
New Zealand born Gibney even gave an update as to how her mother was currently doing: “And for those wanting an update on Mama Shirl she is doing amazingly well! She’s at home, she’s walking around, laughing, loving and planning a visit to Melbourne.”
Rebecca – who shares a 15-year-old son with husband Richard Bell – has been a vocal domestic violence and mental health awareness advocate in the past having also gone public with her anxiety and depression.
In a candid interview back in 2017 with marie claire, the Gold Logie winner reflected on her life at 14-years-old: “I didn’t understand what anxiety was [then].
“ I would find myself in situations where I’d get panicky and have to run away. Any emotional stuff we’re not dealing with manifests itself in sickness, panic attacks or breakdowns.”
It seems Gibney has been able to move on, telling Denton in June 2019 that when it comes to that little voice in her head telling her she’s ‘not good enough’ she’s found the mute button: “I don’t dwell on it so much anymore. I do take a deep breath and go ‘I’m ok with me’.”
If you or someone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
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