Melissa Benoist praised by fans after Supergirl star shares her story of surviving domestic violence

Supergirl star Melissa Benoist has posted an emotional video about surviving domestic violence.

The actress, 31, says a previous relationship became “abusive” in a 14-minute clip posted on Instagram.

She does not name the man but describes him as "charming, funny, manipulative, devious" and claims emotional manipulation turned into physical violence.

Benoist states that her former partner was frequently jealous and became annoyed when she spoke to and worked with other men, reacting especially negatively to romantic acting scenes.

Another incident allegedly saw her former partner throw a phone at her face and the actress states the impact “tore my iris, nearly ruptured my eyeball, lacerated my skin and broke my nose.”

“Something inside of me broke, this was too far,” she said.

After opening up about the incident to friends, Benoist says she found the strength to break off the relationship.

“I felt complicated feelings of guilt for leaving and for hurting someone I had protected, and yes, mournful feeling of leaving something familiar,” she says. “But luckily, the people I let in, the more I was bolstered, I never lost the sense of clarity that kept telling me, 'You do not deserve this'.”

"None of this is salacious news,” she concludes. “It was my reality. What I went through caused a tectonic shift in my outlook on life."

After the video was posted, fans rushed to share their support for the star:

Benoist is best-known for playing the title character in the CBS series Supergirl and has also played the hero in spin-off series Arrow, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow.

She also appeared in the 2014 film Whiplash and Patriots Day, a 2016 drama based on the Boston marathon bombings.

For support and advice on domestic violence against women, visit the Women's Aid website. Men requiring advice and support can visit the Men's Advice Line website.