NEWSAna Ortiz: It Was Humiliating
Sep. 25 2008, Published 6:39 a.m. ET
Ana Ortiz is speaking out about her own past abusive relationship in an effort to help others get out of similar situations.
The Ugly Betty actress is teaming up with "Tell a Gal P.A.L.," the Allstate Foundation's domestic violence program that helps victims of abusive relationships.
"I was really lucky. My gal pal was my mom," Ana tells Entertainment Tonight's Thea Andrews in an interview airing tonight. "She recognized the signs and she was able to sit me down and make me understand that it didn't have anything to do with me.
"It wasn't my fault, but I did need to get out of it immediately," she addds. "I was lucky enough to have someone to turn to, somewhere to go, and I worry that people don't, that women don't."
While Ana is happily married now to musician Noah Lebenzon, she says she was once in a relationship in her 20s with an abusive boyfriend who once even choked her in public.
"It was just the most awful feeling, and terrifying and humiliating," Ana says.
For the rest of the interview, tune in this evening to ET.
