After Julianne Hough revealed to Cosmopolitan earlier this month that she suffered from mental and physical abuse as a child, she admitted she chose to play an abused woman in ‘Safe Haven’ as a way to move past her own traumatic experiences. During an interview with Celebuzz, the actress said she took on the role of Katie in the anticipated romance mystery, which is set to be released in theaters on Valentine’s Day, to do something that was healing and open.
While Hough declined to reveal the specifics about her abuse, or reveal who was responsible, she said she has moved on. “This was a great way for to do something that was healing and open for me, but also it could be helpful for others,” the actress said about her role in ‘Safe Haven,’ which was directed by Lasse Hallstrom.
In ‘Safe Haven,’ which is based on the book of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, Hough’s character is a fugitive from the law. Katie hides in a small North Carolina town after feeling she has no one to turn to for sympathy or support.
The actress added that she embraced the opportunity to tell victims of abuse that not only do they have a voice, but their traumatic past or present doesn’t need to define their future. “It’s about second chances,” Hough said. “It’s about finding people that you love and that love you–and that you’re not alone. Certain things happen, but it doesn’t dictate your life. You can start your life tomorrow, and that’s what Katie does.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
