Allison Langdon praised for her compassion in first episode as A Current Affair host

Ally Langdon is being praised for her compassionate approach to interviewing after sitting down with a terrified domestic violence survivor during her gritty debut as A Current Affair host. 

Kimbarlie O’Reilly broke down in tears after admitting she didn’t feel safe with her ex-boyfriend and abuser now out of jail.

Unable to continue she stood up and walked away.

Langdon, 43, who took the reigns from broadcasting legend Tracy Grimshaw, showed genuine concern for her teary-eyed guest, ditching the interview and rushing to comfort her off-camera.

The move earned the former Today show host with 20 years of experience in journalism admiration from viewers. 

When domestic violence survivor Kim O’Reilly broke down admitting she didn’t feel safe, Langdon showed her compassionate side 

‘A Current Affair have been nothing short of amazing, compassionate and supportive and believe in people like me trying to make a difference and know this system needs to change,’ one person said.

Another wrote: ‘Allison Langdon is wanting to continue that message, that this process is damaged and we need to fix it to save lives.’

‘What a debut for Ally Langdon on A Current Affair tonight,’ a third commented.

Viewers also said they enjoyed show’s more serious tone.

‘Real stories not the usual best supermarket or neighbours from hell stories,’ one person wrote.

Another commented: ‘If this is the direction she is taking the show, I reckon I might watch more often,’

A third said ‘it was great to see her ‘leading with the issue of domestic violence and giving it the spotlight it needs.’ 

Ms O'Reilly, who is also a campaigner for reform on domestic violence laws, noted on her own social media how 'compassionate' Langdon was

Ms O’Reilly, who is also a campaigner for reform on domestic violence laws, noted on her own social media how ‘compassionate’ Langdon was

Kimbarlie O'Reilly, a victim of domestic violence, was a deliberate choice as Ally Langdon's first guest on her A Current Affair debut

Ms O'Reilly is an active campaigner on domestic violence awareness

Kimbarlie O’Reilly, a victim of domestic violence,  and campaigner for reform, was a deliberate choice as Ally Langdon’s first guest on her A Current Affair debut

Ms O’Reilly, who a campaigner for domestic violence victim awareness, also noted on her own social media pages after the interview how ‘compassionate’ Langdon was and how committed she is to shinning a light on Australia’s national shame.

Her horror ordeal began when her boyfriend, country footballer Jake Frecker, left her for dead on January 17, 2019, after beating her so badly he broke her eye socket and knocked her teeth out.

‘When the police arrived that night … he grabbed his phone, put it in his pocket and said, ‘Tell them that you fell over’,’ Ms O’Reilly told Langdon during the powerful interview. 

He was sentenced to six years in prison but was let out on parole January 17, after serving less than four years. 

Ms O’Reilly, who know suffers from PTSD, panic attacks and nightmares, feels ‘let down’ by the system and fears she will need to ‘hide’ for the rest of her life.

Allison Langdon has been widely praised for her debut on A Current Affair

 Allison Langdon has been widely praised for her debut on A Current Affair

‘I don’t think I’ll ever get to live my life from now on, there’s no end in sight,’ Ms O’Reilly said.

Langdon then asked ‘do you feel safe?’

‘Not at all,’ Ms O’Reilly said, bursting into tears, while shielding her face with her hands.

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t apologise,’ Langdon said quietly, placing a comforting hand on Ms O’Reilly’s knee.

‘This is really hard to talk about.’

‘Do you want a moment?’ she asked Ms O’Reilly, who took up the offer to step away from filming.

Langdon then followed Ms O’Reilly off-camera to offer extra support.

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