While their celebrity status means that the ugly details of Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s relationship are being very publicly aired, similar scenarios play out behind closed doors in many homes.

Depp is suing Heard for $50m after an op-ed in The Washington Post in 2018, in which she referred to herself as a victim of domestic and sexual abuse. The trial, which is receiving global coverage, has prompted much talk about toxic relationships.

Also read: Amber Heard alleges Johnny Depp repeatedly sexually assaulted her

Family law expert Adv Johria van den Bergh says abuse is more than just physical violence. She says the South African Domestic Violence Act is very specific about what constitutes abuse in a relationship.

Any form of controlling behaviour, such as physical, mental, psychological or economic manipulation, constitutes an act of domestic violence, she explains.

WATCH: In an interview with Izak du Plessis, she talks about what constitutes abuse and what options you have if you are caught in a toxic relationship.

*In the second part of this series, a mediator and relationship therapist will share their knowledge.