When you come from a family of ten children you learn very early on in life to stand up for yourself and hold your ground regarding the things you're passionate about.

From an early age, I never let anyone silence my voice. This steadfast attitude has helped me as an actor and has truly enabled me to explore and evolve the characters I portray on television and film.

I found it atrocious and downright infuriating to learn that one in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.

No one girl or woman deserves to feel like a vicious attack was her fault.

One woman violated is already too many but when I learned that it was one in three, the first thought in my head was "Why aren't more people talking about this?"

When you come from a family of ten children you learn very early on in life to stand up for yourself and hold your ground regarding the things you're passionate about.

I've been extremely fortunate in that my career allows me to be seen and heard by people all over the world and I know that my only option is to utilize this gift to speak for those who may not have the means, courage, or strength to speak out.