From The Heat to Miss. Congeniality, Sandra Bullock has fronted many a movie we often turn to for comfort when we’re in need of a woman on screen who’s not only relatable, but incredibly funny, too.

Which is why we knew it would only be a matter of time before Bullock shared, not only her own opinion on the #MeToo movement, but also her own story.

Like a lot of her fellow actresses, Bullock was also sexually harassed, but was left “paralysed” after it happened (she was only 16-years-old) because she didn’t think anyone would believe her. 

“It happened to me when I was 16. And you’re paralysed to a degree, thinking, ‘Will anyone believe me?’ And at that time? No,” Bullock tells InStyle.

Bullock, who has already donated $500,000 (£368,000) to the Time’s Up campaign, believes it’s vitally important for women everywhere.

“It’s easy to give money to people who are incredibly brave and outspoken. But Time’s Up is not just about the actors—it’s about the single mom who’s been abused, bullied, and sexually harassed and is just trying to make every day safe,” Bullock explains.

“I also love All Raise, which has partnered with Time’s Up to help close the gap on funding for women and minorities in technology. It’s our duty to do whatever we can to help. I can safely say there is not one person I know who hasn’t experienced some form of [harassment] or doesn’t know someone [it’s happened to].”

Looking to the future, Bullock wants to ensure her own children - Louis, eight, and Laila, five – to have the freedom to be fearless and challenge sexual misconduct.

“Up until recently it was the victim who was shamed, not the perpetrator. But just like with this [points to the TV], we can do peaceful protests and utilise the media. We’re raising our children to be fearless. At least I hope I’m raising my kids that way.”

You can follow the success of the Time’s Up campaign here.

Images: Rex Features