Presenter, author and abuse survivor Simonne Butler continues to share the voices of New Zealanders impacted by domestic abuse in this third series of Breaking Silence. This series explores legal and systemic barriers survivors can face, from family court disputes in episode one, to international custody battles in episode four. Episode two highlights how cyberbullying and grooming can leave young people vulnerable. Advocates like Debbs Murray and Detective Jaimie Leigh share their insights in supporting victims in episodes three and six, while episode seven follows Fiona Southorn’s journey from abuse survivor to Paralympic success. Across two episodes, Butler opens up about her own journey of survival and healing, Check out the full episode guide here.
...I remember lying there and thinking "this is it", and I was okay and I'd made my peace, just because it meant I was never ever going to have to deal with him again.– Presenter Simonne Butler recalls the night her partner almost killed her, early in episode five
Made with funding from NZ On Air
Music by Audio Network
Help guide for victims of domestic violence, NZ Government website
Article on the murder of three children (episode two), The NZ Herald, March 2013
Article on presenter Simonne Butler (episodes five & eight), The NZ Herald, November 2016
More on Detective Jaimie Leigh's story (episode six), NZ Police Ten One magazine, October 2023
Interview with Paralympian Fiona Southorn (episode seven), The Northern Advocate, May 2008
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