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ABC pays tribute to You Can’t Ask That contributor

Tragic death of contributor underscores the profound message of powerful ABC episode, airing tonight.

The ABC and the producers of You Can’t Ask That are saddened by the recent death of Dr Stuart Kidd, who was a key on-screen contributor to the episode featuring survivors of sexual assault, airing tonight on ABC.

Stuart’s interview was filmed in November 2017, during which he shared deeply personal insights into the sustained trauma of repeated childhood sexual abuse. Tragically, Stuart took his own life in May 2018, aged 60.

This February, Stuart, a retired assistant orthopaedic surgeon, and his wife Janet viewed the episode before it went to air. Stuart then emailed the producers to thank the ABC for the opportunity to share his story, writing: “WOW! Gobsmacked. Speechless. Brilliant. A.MAZING!… Janet and I are both so very impressed and very grateful. WHAT a special ‘ministry’ you guys have of bringing these stories to everyday Aussies…Thank you.”

Stuart was an advocate for all survivors of abuse and worked with the Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN), a western Sydney-based peer support group for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

You Can’t Ask That series producer / director Aaron Smith said: “In the very short time we knew Stuart, we were struck by his honesty, openness, strength and resolve in dealing with traumatic childhood experiences. Stuart’s contribution to You Can’t Ask That will have a lasting and profound impact on the audience, helping to reduce stigma and increase awareness and understanding for survivors of sexual assault. We share our heartfelt condolences with Stuart’s family and friends.”

Stuart’s wife Janet said: ‘I watched the episode of You Can’t Ask That with Stuart in February and he was pleased with it. It was tough, but we are all proud of him for putting his story out there and we all think it’s well done and powerful. My husband was a survivor of complex early childhood trauma for over 55 years. He had been sexually assaulted from a disgustingly early age. He never stopped trying to find help and healing. He was acutely aware of the terrible effect his struggles had on us, his family.

“In the 1990s, he found support through ASCA, now the Blue Knot Foundation; and I was told that my children and I were secondary survivors of his abuse. Years later, after putting an enormous effort into being the very best doctor, husband, father and grandfather that he possibly could be, my husband became even more deeply depressed as he saw the struggles of our adult children to find healing for themselves, from the consequences of growing up seeing him struggle.

“SAMSN has kindly begun a fund in his memory to support family members of male survivors of sexual assault. Please help by making a donation. We needed it, others need it, too.”

Donations can be made to Survivors & Mates Support Network

www.samsn.org.au

For support please contact:

Survivors & Mates Support Network
1800 472 676
www.samsn.org.au

Blue Knot Foundation
1300 657 380
www.blueknot.org.au

Bravehearts
www.bravehearts.org.au/

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

1800RESPECT.org.au

For immediate 24hr crisis support contact:

Lifeline
13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
kidshelpline.com.au

9 Responses

  1. Knowing this made his words and the words of others appearing on this show that much harder to stomach, knowing the real pain and suffering that all these people when through and continue to live through decades after the rape. Compelling TV that serves a much wider role in terms of community education and awareness.

    1. I knew I recognised him from somewhere. So sad. Brings back memories of the struggle a family member went through at the hands of the church.

    2. OMG I don’t remember him on that at all. Not that I watch much of it. That seems a strange choice to put yourself on a TV show like that when you have such trauma and issues. I’m curious to see him and his family on there now. Anyway yes it is so tragic and was such a powerful episode and talking about familiar I am pretty sure Nicole in the wheel chair I know myself. Actually both her and the Doctor were the most tragic and sad.

  2. The worst cowards of the world are those that steal innocence.
    Stuart’s passing is a very tragic loss.
    Those left behind must take a lot of comfort in his achievements and stoic efforts.

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