Breaking Silence
2 Seasons
"If someone has said they are going to kill you, believe them, they will. It might not happen today, it might not even be this year... but it's on its way." These are the powerful words of Simonne Butler, the host of New Zealand's only web series dedicated to shining a light on the many faces of domestic abuse in Aotearoa. Simonne was critically injured by a violent attack from the man she lived with. Her journey to recovery is ongoing, as is her commitment to stop domestic abuse in Aotearoa. I Breaking Silence, Simonne hears powerful stories from those affected by domestic violence and explores how the abuse cycle is being broken.
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09:32Episode 1Breaking Silence Season 1 Say Something
Episode 1
Domestic abuse devastates many Pacific families in NZ, yet secrecy and shame keep it hidden. Simonne struggled to find people to speak openly. Her search led her to the powerful "Say Something" video and its actors, like Lavahki. The 19-year-old had previously attempted suicide. What drives such ...
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09:30Episode 2Breaking Silence Season 1 Woven Earth
Episode 2
After escaping abuse in Australia, Kerryn knew how hard it was to restart after a women's refuge. In NZ, she founded Woven Earth. Refuges lack funds to help after housing is secured, so families often arrive with nothing. Kerryn’s team collects donated household goods, then transports and sets up...
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Breaking Silence Season 1 Financial Abuse
Episode 3
Sarah was a high-functioning professional. But after having children, her partner began withholding money. This financial abuse escalated for years, leaving her and her children briefly homeless. She fled to a refuge. Now, three years later, she's rebuilding her life on a benefit. In speaking wit...
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09:42Episode 4Breaking Silence Season 1 Shakti
Episode 4
After surviving abuse in the UK, Bangladeshi immigrant Farida Sultana founded Shakti NZ in 1995. She saw immigrant women from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East lacked crucial support. Now, we join Farida at a tragic site—a client was killed. In an interview, she reveals the harsh realities these ...
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Breaking Silence Season 1 Jeremy Eparaima
Episode 5
Can abusive men change their behaviour? Simonne visits Jeremy Eparaima a reformed domestic abuser, to find out. Jeremy was a serial abuser until, in his mid 40's, he joined a friend on an anger management course and realised that he too needed help. After going through the 20-week course twice he...
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Breaking Silence Season 1 Diamonds In The Ring
Episode 6
Can boxing help domestic abuse survivors regain self-respect? Former champion Daniella Smith believes so. Her gym, Diamonds in the Ring, trains survivors like Shonie. We follow Shonie's difficult journey to a charity fight night. Despite a rocky start, she triumphs. The event raises over $30,000 ...
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10:27Episode 7Breaking Silence Season 1 - David White
Episode 7
After his daughter Helen was murdered by her husband in 2009, David White believes wealth fueled the national news story. This tragedy transformed him into a staunch campaigner against domestic abuse. He now travels across New Zealand, spreading a powerful message of understanding and forgiveness...
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Breaking Silence Season 1 Simonne Butler
Episode 8
In 2003, Simonne Butler survived a horrific attack from her abusive partner, shocking New Zealand. Now, after years of recovery, she's shifting the focus from perpetrator to survivor. Simonne embarks on a new journey to find hope and inspiration in the stories of other domestic abuse survivors. I...