A Whitby woman who survived a violent 2020 assault survivor shared her harrowing story in an Oshawa courtroom this week, describing the lifelong impacts of an attack that nearly killed her.
Kimberley Black, who was 50 at the time of the July 28, 2020 attack, spoke during the long-term offender hearing for Anthony Doiron-Francis, who was found guilty of aggravated assault and aggravated sexual assault in January following a 2024 trial. Black requested that a publication ban protecting her identity be lifted so she could speak publicly about her experience.
While it is true I do not remember being assaulted, every day I am reminded that I was, Black told the court on April 29. She detailed the lifelong physical effects stemming from a traumatic brain injury and other harm she suffered, including the permanent loss of both her sense of smell and taste.
Imagine walking into your favourite relatives home at holiday time, but you cannot smell the turkey cooking or breathe in the smell of freshly baked holiday treats, Black said. For me, the smell that filled the house at holiday time was my favourite part. It made me feel calm and safe and connected to loved ones.
Black also suffers from dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, a jaw injury that prevents her lips from sealing fully, nerve damage to her lower lip and chin, voice changes and permanent changes to her physical appearance.
The smile I once shared with enthusiasm, the signature smile that was reflective of my positivity and upbeat personality, became a source of embarrassment and impacted my confidence, she told the court. Her voice is now hoarse and weak, and she can no longer scream for safety or sing for pleasure.
Black husband Rob Tardik also addressed the court, describing the devastating and lasting impact on every aspect of his life, including emotionally, physically, financially and psychologically. He recalled the days immediately following the attack when doctors were unsure whether Black would survive.
I have carried constant guilt for not being there that night, even though I was doing everything I could to support us, Tardik said. Emotionally, this crime shattered our sense of safety and stability. Our lives became defined by fear, trauma and survival.
The Crown is seeking a dangerous long-term offender designation for Doiron-Francis, which would place him under supervision for up to 10 years following his eventual release. The prosecution argued during the trial that the attack was frenzied and devastating.
Black also highlighted the financial toll of the assault. The physical impacts have affected her ability to work in education and public speaking, while changes to her appearance ended the commercial work she previously did.
She described the daily struggle as a constant reminder of the attack, regularly bringing back the trauma she has had to relive through the court proceedings. My wife is the person here today who has a life sentence of trauma from unthinkable violence, Tardik told the court.
The long-term offender hearing continues at the Oshawa courthouse.
