VIDEO: Patrick Stewart's eloquent speech against domestic violence

The legendary actor gives a passionate response to a question about domestic violence at a comic convention in the US.

Legendary actor Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame) made an appearance at a comic convention in the US recently, during which an audience member thanked him for a speech he gave in 2009 about domestic violence against women.

Heather Skye then asked Stewart what he was "most proud of" outside his acting achievements.

Footage of Stewart's eloquent, considered and passionate response to Heather, in which he draws upon the memories of his own mother having suffered at the hands of his father, has been gathering pace online.

"I do what I do in my mother’s name because I couldn’t help her then," the actor expalined, his voice breaking with emotion.

"Now I can.”

(Heather Skye via YouTube)

The woman who put the question to Stewart said his 2009 speech at Amnesty Internatinal had helped her "put a name to the abuse, sexual abuse in my case, I had experienced in the past".

"He responded very passionately and the last thing I thought I would get at was a heartfelt hug," Heather wrote.

"When he embraced me he told me 'You never have to go through that again, you're safe now'. I just kept thanking him.

"I hope everyone who needs help in abusive or violent situations has the courage to do so. There are people willing and ready to help you."

Women’s Aid helpline: 1800 341 900