Viola Davis shares emotional story of sister’s sexual assault
On Tuesday, Viola Davis spoke at a benefit for the Stuart House, a nonprofit that offers support to victims of child abuse, and she opened up about a harrowing story from her own past.
On Tuesday, Viola Davis spoke at a benefit for the Stuart House, a nonprofit that offers support to victims of child abuse, and she opened up about a harrowing story from her own past.
In her speech, the How To Get Away With Murder actress told attendees that when her sister was 8-years-old, she was sexually assaulted at a local store, reports PopSugar. After her sister told their mother what happened, she reported it to police. But the traumatizing experience took a toll on her sister.
“And then from there, a precocious, very intelligent, very creative child grew up to be frail, angry, a drug addict by the time she was 20,” she continued, visibly emotional. “Six children, all of which have been taken by social services. A prostitute. An IV drug user. You know, memories demand attention, because memories have teeth. And in my vision, and in my dreams, when I pray for my sister . . . you pray in general terms. You pray that she finds peace and love and happiness, she gets off drugs. And then of course you open your eyes, and you’re like, she’s still on the streets.”
“I wish she had had the Stuart House to throw her a rope, because her whole life could have been different,” she added toward the end of her speech.
Head over to PopSugar and watch Davis’ moving speech.
