Actress Salma Hayek delivered a speech in New York on Thursday to raise awareness of women affected by domestic violence.

The Frida star was the guest of honor at the Avon Speaking Out Against Violence Against Women event, and she took to the stage to reveal her passion for the cause was sparked by a childhood experience.

She explained, "The first time I saw domestic violence firsthand was when I was in Mexico, taking a walk with my family, and we came upon a man beating up this woman. My father intervened and fought the man and won. I remember thinking, 'Oh my God, my father is a hero.'

"Then the woman turned around and started beating up my father. I couldn't comprehend what was happening. After that I became very intrigued with (sic) what makes a woman stay in an abusive relationship. How does her spirit break?"

Hayek is a longterm supporter of domestic violence organizations - in 2005, she testified before the U.S. Senate Committee about the Violence Against Women Act and the following year she donated $25,000 to a shelter for battered women in Mexico, as well as a further $50,000 to several charity groups.