Melissa Benoist, star of the CW television network’s Supergirl, has been commended for her bravery following a November Instagram post in which she opened up about her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse.

“He could be charming, funny, manipulative, devious. He was younger than me, his maturity obvious,” Benoist, 31, revealed in the video. She alleged the abuse was emotional and manipulative before it got physical, her abuser frequently dictating her wardrobe and making her change outfits before leaving the house.

Benoist said it affected her work and she began turning down acting opportunities because due to her partner’s jealousy over her working with men. It wasn’t until her abuser, whom remains nameless, threw an iPhone at her face, tearing her iris and breaking her nose, that Benoist said she realized she needed to take action.

“I am a survivor of domestic violence… which is something I never expected I’d be saying,” she told her 3.8 million Instagram followers. After sharing her story, she prompted the hashtag #IStandWithMelissa to trend on Twitter, with hundreds of social media users offering the actress words of support. 

The star is now dedicated to campaigning against domestic violence, sharing inspirational and supportive messages from the I Am Not OK movement and Futures Without Violence Instagram page.