Doctor Says Johnny Depp's Behaviour Is Consistent With Someone Who Carries Out Intimate Partner Violence

A doctor has testified Johnny Depp’s behaviour is consistent with someone who carries out ‘intimate partner violence’. 

Dr David Spiegel, a psychiatrist and physician, was called to the stand today, 23 May, as Depp’s defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard continues. 

Spiegel explained that he has treated thousands of patients – 75 percent of whom have experienced substance abuse problems. 

He said he has also studied the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain, and the causes and effects behind what's known as 'intimate partner violence' (IPV), saying it is a repetitive behaviour over a period of time, which includes physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.

"It's more than just the act of abuse," Spiegel said.

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While being questioned by Heard’s attorney Elaine Bredehoft, Spiegel was asked to comment on the psychologist profile of those who suffered and perpetrated IPV and whether or not they were consistent with Depp's behaviour.

He said: “In my opinion – based on my review of the evidence, based on my clinical experience, based on my publishing experience, based on my teaching experience – that Mr. Depp has behaviors that are consistent with both someone who has a substance use disorder as well as behaviors of someone who is a perpetrator of intimate partner violence." 

Spiegel later also explained in his testimony: "We all get angry as people, we all think things about people. The difference is when our brains are in tact and acting well, most of us do not act them out."

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IPV is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship, and that 'intimate partner' refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners.

It says on its website: "IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years."

The CDC says IPV can include any of the following types of behaviour: physical violence ('when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force'); sexual violence ('forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event' such as sexting, when the partner does not or cannot consent); stalking ('a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim'); and psychological aggression 'the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over another partner').