Abigail Breslin revealed she is a survivor of domestic abuse in an emotional Instagram post Friday, in which she shared her story during October’s domestic abuse awareness month.
“I was in a very abusive relationship for close to 2 years,” the “Little Miss Sunshine” actress wrote. “It all started out perfectly. I was so in love. Unfortunately, my abuser took advantage of my innocence and naïveté and the relationship subsequently became violent,” adding that she was “beaten on a regular basis” and “locked into rooms” by her abuser.
Despite her “intense injuries,” Breslin explained that she was “forced to pretend everything was ok” and often concealed her bruises with makeup. The abuse was not limited to physical violence, however, as the actress experienced a “plethora of put-downs, shaming and harsh verbal abuse.”
“I felt so unworthy of anyone’s love,” she continued. “I felt ugly and hated. I felt like I deserved less than dirt. I was certain, there must be something inherently WRONG with ME,” she said, adding that she felt like “a bitch, a problem, stupid, useless, ridiculous, overly sensitive, unreasonable, and unlovable.”
The “Definitely, Maybe” star also noted that the two years in which she experienced this abuse was “the loneliest [she] ever felt” and went on to thank her friends and family for supporting her as she left the “horrible situation.” “I will forever be indebted to those closest to me for them not only assisting me but, BELIEVING me,” she wrote.
Breslin shifted her focus to her fiancé, Ira Kunyansky, and noted the pair has “a wonderful, healthy, happy and amazing relationship.”
“My C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) is much better than it was in the first 2 years after my abusive relationship, but, I still have moments,” she continued, explaining that she still is still “healing” and “occasionally has nightmares, and certain things still do trigger [her].”
“The aftermath of abuse is a complicated and individual experience,” she concluded. “I hope sharing a bit more about my story at least helps some people feel a little bit less alone. If you are in an abusive relationship currently, you CAN get out of it.”
You can read Breslin’s entire Instagram message below.