in brief: patrick stewart comforts abuse victim

Legendary British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has given an impassioned speech about violence against women at Comicpalooza in the US.

Audience member Heather Skye thanked Stewart for his recent speech on behalf of British charity Refuge. ‘That speech was really moving to me and it helped me through my own turmoils a little bit,’ Ms Skye told Stewart. She then asked the actor what he was move proud of in his career outside of acting.

His answer was his campaigns against domestic violence, coming in the form of his work with Refuge, as well as with war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through Combat Stress.

He spoke about his pride in Refuge’s work to create safe houses for women and their children.

Stewart told the crowd that this work was to help his parents, who he could not help as a child. His mother was the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of his father.

While Stewart firmly emphasised that violence against women is never the answer to a problem and never the woman’s fault, he highlighted the fact that PTSD is a significant psychological and psychical illness that shatters lives.

Stewart’s speech drew a standing ovation from the crowd. He addressed the men in the audience, reminding them that the most significant factor in preventing violence against women is the attitude and action of men.

At the end of his response, Stewart and Skye hugged. Skye later wrote on her blog: ‘He told me ‘You never have to go through that again, you’re safe now.’ I couldn’t stop thanking him. His embrace was so warm and genuine. It was two people, two strangers, supporting and giving love. And when we pulled away he looked strait (sic) in my eyes, like he was promising that. He told me to take care. And I will.’

A video of the exchange has gone viral on YouTube.

(Image Credit: Eugene Lee)