Denise Richards breaks down in tears as she reveals sexual assault aged 15 saying ‘I just froze’

Denise Richards has broken down in tears as she revealed she was sexually assaulted at the age of 15.

The 53-year-old actress said she “just froze,” as she discussed the lasting impact of the horrendous sexual assault.

Denise is taking part in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and, as it premiered, she and her co-stars tried to jump from a boat onto a hovering helicopter.

The Real Housewives star admitted in the Fox show: "I've been in situations where I just freeze."

Denise failed the challenge, which is from the British Army's selection process, as she was unable to haul herself into the helicopter's cabin.

She was later brought in for a chat with the DS (Directing Staff).

When it was pointed out to her that she looked like "a deer in the headlights", Denise admitted: "I really want to learn how to not be overwhelmed by fear.

"I've been through traumatic situations that have been very terrifying for me. I want to learn how to deal with those issues and be stronger.”

Starship Troopers star Denise went on to explain why she had signed up to the show, which is now in its third season.

"Part of the reason I wanted to do this course is I've been in situations where I freeze and I can't function, I can't even speak to protect myself," she told the DS.

The mom-of-three then went on to reveal the traumatic event she experienced when she was in her teens.

Denise admitted: "The first time I ever experienced that I was 15 and I noticed a man following me.

“He came up from behind me, put his hand around my mouth, grabbed my vagina, and started dragging me and I froze.

"Like, I couldn't even scream for help.”

Denise admitted to only ever telling her husband Aaron Phypers about the assault.

The star also shares three daughters with her ex-husband Charlie Sheen - Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13.

Breaking down in tears, Denise told the DS how she never wants her girls to experience the trauma she did.

“It's so scary to have that situation, you know, that age and be so vulnerable," the star said.

"And I have three daughters, and I want them to be able to never go through that. And also, if something, God forbid, happen to be strong enough.” 

Denise also touched upon her feelings in a confessional to the camera.

She admitted: "I think that I haven't addressed a lot of what I have gone through, and it's very terrifying. I don't know if I would be able to get over my past."

Sixteen celebrities, including Denise, signed up for the current series of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Denise didn't walk away from the course in one piece, however.

She previously revealed on the Jeff Lewis Live radio show that she ruptured her breast implants while wearing a harness during a challenge.

"I jumped off a bridge, too, and that’s when I ruptured my [breast] implants off of that thing," she confessed.

"I still have to get them redone. I was supposed to a month ago, but couldn’t because we were filming. So I still have to get them redone.”