Season 1

Aug. 15, 2024

Episode 20: Expectations vs. Reality: A Mother's Journey in Grief Unfiltered

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 be…
Aug. 8, 2024

Episode 19: Waiting For Justice

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 a…
May 29, 2024

Episode 17: Shades of Grief: Navigating the First Anniversary of Loss

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. …
May 22, 2024

Episode 16: Turning Pain into Purpose: Lessons from Losing My Daughter to Intimate Partner Violence

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 h…
May 15, 2024

Episode 15: May 8th: The Weight of Joy and Sorrow

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 domest…
May 4, 2024

Episode 14: Legislating Change: Bill 173 and Surviving Intimate Partner Violence

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 epi…
April 24, 2024

Episode 13: Living With Loss: A Parent's Journey Through The Justice System

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 determin…
April 17, 2024

Episode 12: Shining a Light: The Urgent Case for Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic

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 merel…
March 27, 2024

Episode 11:Illuminating Realities: Reflections from 68 Commission on the Status of Women

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 hundred…
March 15, 2024

Episode 10: Shattered Foundations: Unveiling the Link Between Natural Disasters and Intimate Partner Violence

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-Lebr…
March 6, 2024

Episode 9:Transforming Tragedy into Triumph: A Mother's Journey to End Intimate Partner Violence in Honor of Her Daughter's Legacy

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 c…
Feb. 29, 2024

Episode 8: Beyond Statistics: Understanding the Depth of Gender-Based Violence MMIW2+

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…
Feb. 21, 2024

Episode 7: Families Forgotten: Navigating Justice in Intimate Partner Violence Trials

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 to…
Feb. 14, 2024

Episode 6: Beyond Badge, Trust and law Enforcement

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 c…
Feb. 7, 2024

Episode 5: Beyond the Headlines, Seeing the Person

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…