Breaking Silence – Season-1

Domestic abuse affects many families in Pacific communities in New Zealand. But it is also shrouded in secrecy and people rarely speak about it.

After Kerryn escaped an abusive marriage while living in Australia she discovered first-hand how hard it is for women and their children to restart their lives.

Sarah used to be a high functioning, well paid professional. When she thought of domestic abuse she pictured scenes from the movie Once Were Warriors.

Simonne interviews Farida to understand the issues that women in migrant communities face; such as forced marriage, the impact of shaming and silence, the pressures to stay in unhealthy marriages, and the extreme isolation that many suffer.

Can abusive men change their behaviour? Simonne meets Jeremy Eparaima, a reformed abuser to find out. Jeremy was a serial abuser until his mid 40s.

Can the sport of boxing help domestic abuse survivors regain their self respect? Daniella Smith, a former world champion boxer, believes so.

In 2009 David White’s daughter, Helen, was shot dead by her multi millionaire husband, Greg Meads. Now a campaigner against domestic abuse, David regularly holds meetings and speaks publicly about the issue.

In 2003 Simonne Butler survived an horrific attack at the hands of her abusive partner. In this episode Simonne shares her story and insights on how to identify and survive domestic abuse.