Episodes

Send us a text In this poignant and deeply introspective season finale of Break the Silence, Build a Future, I delve into the contrast between societal expectations of how one should grieve and the reality of my own experience. When I first learned on June 5, 2023, that my daughter's husband had been arrested for her murder after she had been missing for twelve days, I felt an overwhelming coldness that drove me to wrap myself in heavy blankets, even in the heat of summer. Yet, I did not cry....

Send us a text In this poignant episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, we delve into the harrowing journey of seeking justice after the unimaginable loss of a loved one to intimate partner violence. One year after the tragic murder of my daughter by her husband of 18 years, my family and I are still navigating the complex and often overwhelming court process. This episode sheds light on how the legal system can leave families feeling isolated, powerless, and in the dark as they wait fo...

Send us a text In this deeply personal episode, I confront the complex and often overwhelming emotions that accompany the first anniversary of my daughter's murder. Through candid reflections and raw honesty, I explore the many shades of grief, from haunting flashbacks to feelings of helplessness. Join me as I navigate this painful milestone, seeking to find meaning, healing, and a path forward amidst the darkness. Whether you are grieving a loss or supporting someone who is, this episo...

Send us a text In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I open up about my personal journey through the unimaginable grief of losing my daughter to intimate partner violence. Sharing my story is not only a way to honor her memory, but also a means to reach out to others who might be facing similar heartache. Join me as I navigate the emotional challenges and the healing process, discussing how I managed to transform my pain into a purpose-driven life. I delve into the raw emotions of grief, th...

Send us a text Join me on this deeply personal episode as I reflect on the weight of May 8th, a day that holds both profound joy and unimaginable pain in my life. It's a date marked by the containers of my birth, a celebration of life and growth, juxtaposed against the harrowing realities of domestic violence and loss. As I share my journey, I'll take you through the highs and lows of this significant day. It's the day my daughter, amidst the chaos and anguish of an abusive relationship, foun...

Send us a text Join host Fartumo Kusow in a compelling episode of "Break the Silence, Build a Future" as we explore the legislative landscape surrounding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Bill 173, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at deeming IPV as an epidemic in the Ontario Legislature. Joined by Cait Alexander, a survivor of IPV who courageously shares her harrowing journey, we delve into the stark realities of IPV and the profound impact it has o...

Send us a text In "Living With Loss: A Parent's Journey Through The Justice System," I intimately share the poignant story of me grappling with the unimaginable—the loss of my daughter to senseless violence. Through this emotional narrative, I peel back the layers of grief, resilience, and determination as I navigate the labyrinth of the justice system. Join me as I journey along witnessing the highs and lows, the moments of despair and glimmers of hope, and ultimately, the profound transform...

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the urgent call to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic, highlighting its pervasive, predictable, and preventable nature and the crucial role of awareness in breaking the cycle of shame and secrecy. Intimate Partner Violence is not merely a private matter; it's a public health crisis lurking in the shadows of shame and secrecy. Join us as we make the case for declaring IPV an epidemic, shedding light on why this label is not o...

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the profound experience of attending the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the United Nations' largest gathering dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment. Our host shares their firsthand account of being amidst hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds, passionately striving towards the goal outlined in this year's theme: "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and ...

Send us a text In this compelling episode of “Break the Silence, Build a Future," we delve into the profound connection between natural disasters and intimate partner violence, focusing on the harrowing aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Joined by esteemed guest Dr. Teresa Rodrigues-Lebron, we explore how the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria exposed the stark reality of violence against women and girls in Puerto Rico. Dr. Rodrigues-Lebron, a leading expert in gende...

Send us a text In this powerful episode, join Fartumo Kusow as she courageously opens up about the unimaginable pain of losing her daughter to intimate partner violence (IPV). Despite the heart-wrenching tragedy, Fartumo shares her inspiring journey of transforming grief into a powerful force for change. Tune in to hear how she channels her pain into a relentless commitment to end IPV, creating a lasting legacy for her daughter. Join us for a raw and emotional conversation as Fartumo advocate...

Send us a text In this powerful episode, we go beyond the numbers to delve into the heartbreaking reality of gender-based violence against MMIW2+. While statistics provide a glimpse into the issue, the stories, and experiences behind them reveal a much deeper, more nuanced narrative. Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Mr. David Pitawanakwat. Together, we explore the multifaceted layers of gender-based violence against MMIW2+, examining the root causes, cultural consideration...

Send us a text In "Families Forgotten: Navigating Justice in Intimate Partner Violence Trials," we explore the often-overlooked journey of families caught in the midst of legal proceedings. While trials unfold, these families grapple with isolation and a lack of support, magnifying the emotional toll of their already devastating circumstances. We share personal accounts, expert insights, and stories from the front lines to unravel the complexities surrounding the support deficit within the cr...

Send us a text Welcome to a compelling episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, where we embark on a profound exploration, going "Beyond the Badge." In this episode, we unravel the intricate layers that shape the relationship between women, violence, and law enforcement. As we navigate this complex terrain, we engage in candid conversations with a survivor of a no-knock search warrant. We delve into the nuanced impact of past encounters with law enforcement, exposing the often-over...

Send us a text In this deeply poignant episode of "Break the Silence, Build a Future," I take a heartfelt dive into the critical importance of recognizing the individual behind the tragedy in cases of violence against women. Drawing on a personal narrative, I share the poignant story of my daughter, Sahra Bulle, reminding us all that behind each statistic and attention-grabbing headline, there is a person with a unique and irreplaceable story. Through this episode, I aim to emphasize the sign...