Break the Silence, Build a Future

Send us a text In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, host Fartumo Kusow delves into the transformative power of owning your story. Sharing deeply personal reflections, Fartumo discusses the courage it takes to confront grief and speak your truth, even when it challenges societal expectations. Whether shared publicly or privately, embracing your story is a vital step in the healing...

Send us a text In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, we explore the concept of delayed grief—the grief that we push aside when life’s demands leave us no room to process our loss. I’ll share my own experiences with delayed grief, from losing loved ones while adjusting to a new life in Canada to navigating the end of a long marriage while raising young children. Together, we’ll unco...

Send us a text In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, I explore the tension between what we expect grief to look like and the reality of how it actually shows up. After the loss of my daughter, I found myself struggling with the disconnect between society’s expectations of grief—especially for mothers—and my own experience of quiet numbness. I’ll share my personal story of feeling g...

Send us a text In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, I reflect on the overwhelming nature of grief—how it doesn’t come in waves but floods every part of life, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. After losing my daughter, grief became a constant presence, filling every moment and relationship, leaving little room for anything else. I’ll share how I managed to live throug...

Send us a text Are you struggling with grief that doesn’t look the way others expect? In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, we dive into the unspoken social pressures surrounding grief. Learn how societal expectations shape the way we mourn, the harmful impact of these expectations on healing, and why it’s important to embrace your unique journey. Host [Your Name] shares personal r...

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 coldnes...

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...

Send us a text In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, I open up about the tragic loss of my daughter, who was murdered by her husband last year. As we navigate the complex and often overwhelming legal process, my family and I have faced significant challenges, not only in seeking justice but also in finding the support we desperately need. I’ll share our emotional journey through the court...

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 am...

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 ma...

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 signifi...

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...

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 hi...

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...

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 t...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 stori...

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 de...

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...

Send us a text In this poignant episode of "Break the Silence and Build a Future," we open the pages of a heart-wrenching chapter as our host bravely shares the profound impact of silence and the absence of advocacy on the life of a beloved daughter. Tragically, her story takes a devastating turn when she becomes a victim of domestic violence, losing her life at the hands of her husband. As our ho...

Send us a text In this deeply moving episode of 'Break the Silence Build aFuture,' we delve into the gripping and poignant account of a survivor ofviolence against women and girls. Choosing to remain anonymous out of fear ofrepercussions, this brave individual shares their harrowing yet inspiringjourney through unimaginable challenges.   Listen as they navigate the haunting terrain of theirexperie...

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound and far-reaching consequences of violence against women, transcending individual pain to impact entire communities. Join us as we navigate the intricate web of repercussions on personal, social, and economic levels, shedding light on the shadows that linger long after the initial trauma. Explore firsthand stories of resil...

Send us a text In this eye-opening episode, we delve deep into the crucial and often misunderstood issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with expert insights that illuminate the complexities surrounding this pervasive problem. Our guest, a seasoned professional in the field, brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, unraveling the various forms of GBV and shedding light on the root causes t...