In New Zealand, nine women are killed annually by a partner or ex. Debbs, a near-victim, shares her story to expose "coercive control"—the insidious pattern of exploitative, dominating behavior used to imprison women in relationships. Her testimony illuminates this critical warning sign of abuse.
Up Next in Breaking Silence Season 2
-
Breaking Silence Season 2 Sandra Dickson
Rainbow community members face intimate partner violence (IPV) at more than twice the rate of their straight peers. Sandra shares her personal story, highlighting unique challenges like barriers to support and societal stigma that exacerbate this hidden crisis.
-
Breaking Silence Season 2 Wiremu Witana
Over half a million Kiwis suffer from family violence annually, a cycle often passed through generations. But Wiremy's story is one of hope. With his parents' love and support, he courageously broke this cycle, forging a new, peaceful legacy for his family.
-
Breaking Silence Season 2 Stalking
Stalking isn't a crime in NZ, despite 15% of global cases ending in homicide. Tina was stalked by her ex-husband for over three years. She shares her story to demand a law change, urging for stalking to be defined as an offence in the Crimes Act.
