Amber Heard has announced she will donate her $7 million divorce settlement from Johnny Depp to two charities that work with abused women and ill children.

The actress will give half to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to prevent violence against women, and half to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Amber Heard said she hoped to “help those less able to defend themselves”.

She earlier accused Johnny Depp of striking her and throwing a mobile phone during a fight. He denied the allegations.

Johnny Depp’s lawyer claimed Amber Heard had made the accusations in order to obtain a more favorable settlement.

Announcing their divorce settlement on August 16, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp said their relationship was “intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love”.

In a statement, Amber Heard, 30, said: “Money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves.

“As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future.”

She said the money donated to the ACLU would have a “particular focus to stop violence against women”.

The actress added: “I know these organizations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future. Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most.”

Amber Heard married Johnny Depp, 53, in February 2015 and they announced their split in May 2016.

She then took out a temporary restraining order against Johnny Depp obliging him not to get in contact and stay 100 yards away from her.

Their settlement came a day before a court hearing into the restraining order was due to take place. The order was then withdrawn.

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp released a joint statement on August 16 saying: “Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.”