Hayden Panettiere Wants to Empower Abuse Victims After Her Ex, Brian Hickerson, Is Arrested Again

Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson has been arrested for felony assault.

On Thursday, Hickerson was taken into custody and charged with corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant.

According to inmate records obtained by “Extra,” Hickerson is being held on $320,000 bail.

A source familiar with the legal process told “Extra” that Hickerson was charged with eight counts in a felony complaint for domestic violence and assault after Panettiere filed reports with the LAPD, Santa Monica PD, and the Teton County Sheriff Department in Wyoming. During their year-and-a-half relationship, Hayden claimed that she suffered multiple serious instances of domestic violence.

In an official statement, Hayden addressed the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of Brian. She said, “I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve. I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I'm grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”

Panettiere's lawyer Alan Jackson added, “After suffering for years as the victim of psychological, emotional and severe physical abuse, Hayden Panettiere has begun the process of taking back her life. Hayden has found the strength and courage to share the truth about her abuse and her abuser, and she intends to assist the prosecution to see that justice is served. As a survivor, she recognizes that her arduous journey of healing has just begun."

A source close to Panettiere told “Extra” that she's focused on healing, sobriety, and recovery after successfully undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse issues. They claimed that Hayden is opening up about her story in hopes that it'll help someone else who is dealing with emotional abuse or physical violence.

Earlier this week, Panettiere filed to register an out-of-state restraining order against Hickerson in California. If the order is granted, it would protect her in Los Angeles, where she is living.

Hayden and Brian called it quits in June.

Earlier this year, Hickerson was arrested and charged with domestic battery and interference with a police officer in Wyoming. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, he allegedly punched Panettiere “with a closed fist on the right side of her face."

Hickerson reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charge and was scheduled for a jury trial in September.

Last year, Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence, but was released on bail. According to the felony complaint, prosecutors allege that he “willfully inflicted corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon Hayden P."

Weeks after that arrest, Hickerson pleaded not guilty to one count of felony domestic violence and the case was dismissed. At the time, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said, “Our office was unable to proceed because we could not secure a material witness."