Special Forces sees Denise Richards open up about sexual abuse at 15: ‘I froze’

Denise Richards has revealed that she was sexual assault when she was only 15 years old in the season three premiere of Special forces: The world’s hardest test.

In the Jan. 8 episode, where celebrities attempt to complete a series of military training exercises, Richards explained how her motivation to join the show stemmed from previous experiences where she “froze” with fear.

“I really want to learn how not to be overwhelmed by fear. I’ve been through traumatic situations that have been very scary for me,” the 53-year-old Wild things star told the show’s directing staff. “I want to learn how to deal with these problems and become stronger.”

“Part of the reason I wanted to take this course is because I’ve been in situations where I freeze and I can’t function, I can’t even speak to protect myself,” she continued.

“The first time I ever experienced it I was 15 and I noticed a man following me,” Richards said. “He came up behind me, put his hand over my mouth, grabbed my vagina and started pulling me and I froze like I couldn’t even scream for help.

“It’s so scary to be in that situation you know, that age and be that vulnerable. And I have three daughters and I want them to never have to go through that. And also, if something, God forbid, happens to be strong enough.”

Richards felt inclined to open up about sexual assaults after management staff pulled her aside to tell her she had “a deer-in-the-headlights look” as she attempted the helicopter pull-out challenge, an exercise that involves jumping from a boat to a helicopter pad and pushing herself up into a airplane cabin.

In her confession, she went on to say: “I think I haven’t talked about a lot of what I’ve been through and it’s very scary. I don’t know if I would be able to get over my past.”

The Starship Troopers The actress admitted that her husband, Aaron Phypers, is the only other person she has confided in about the assault.

Elsewhere in the discussion with the instructors, Richards briefly recalled a frightening incident she had experienced with Phypers.

“We were driving. He wanted to take me to (a) set. He didn’t want me to go alone, thank God,” she said. “We were physically shot at in his truck and I was sitting on the floor and I was literally , I peed. I was so scared… I froze.”

Richards eventually bowed out of the show, realizing she was too old to put her body through these exercises just two episodes in.

“I really want to have the whole experience, but the older I get, I don’t know if I’m physically able to do it,” she said.

Rape Crisis offers support to those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn at 800-656-HOPE (4673)