In May 2013 Star Trek fan Heather Skye got the chance to ask Sir Patrick Stewart a question during a Q&A at Comicpalooza in Houston, Texas.
View this video on YouTube
She told the British actor a speech he’d given to Amnesty International about domestic violence had allowed her to get over her own abusive relationship and thanked him for his powerful words.
Stewart’s passionate response about his work with the charity Refuge and his views on preventing violence against women went viral, receiving coverage around the world.
Skye revealed afterwards that Stewart had told her: “You never have to go through that again, you’re safe now."
Speaking to BuzzFeed a year later, the 21-year-old from Houston says the hundreds of messages and support she had received after the video went viral helped her “gain a voice” again.
Seeing it in person I realised I needed to continue the message going out. People were saying I was brave, I didn't feel like it. No it was the other way round – 'you're brave for coming up to me and saying: "I've had a similar experience"'.
Skye said she had been in a lucky situation as people in the past had spoken out against their abuse and been ignored.
“I told them you need to keep talking about it, just having the discussion. What domestic violence is and why it is so abundant in society,” she added.
In terms of her own recovery, Skye said she was still in the early stages having only just realised she had a voice.
"I thought silence was my only friend," she revealed.
She said she eventually wanted to volunteer and go into shelters to help victims of abuse.
"The biggest thing I learned from recovery from abuse and trauma is self care, is knowing when you were ready for something," she said.
The success of the video though continues to astound her.
If you think you are a victim of domestic violence, visit www.refuge.org.uk to learn more about the support Refuge can offer.
If you're worried about a friend or family member, visit www.1in4women.com.