In this final episode, we meet Sherrie, a survivor of intimate partner violence who has so much wisdom to share. Her story is one of family, faith, and what can happen when the institutions we trust fail us.
Sherrie and her four children suffered control and abuse for years at the hands of her ex-husband. She attempted to leave the relationship many times, eventually doing so after two particularly difficult experiences involving her children and the final realization that her ex-husband “won't lift a finger to help me, not even when I am in serious need of help. He would let me die.”
Now free, she uses her experience to power her life’s work supporting immigrant and refugee women in Winnipeg impacted by violence.
Her biggest message: there are many ways we can offer support, but we can’t force someone to leave an abusive relationship. That decision is always for the survivor to make.
Sherrie’s story is the final episode of the Signal for Help podcast, produced in partnership with Media Girlfriends. A big thank you to Sherrie, for teaching us, and to all the women who spoke with us throughout the series: Eternity, Ruby, Bernadette, Yasmin and Taghreed, and Brandi. If you haven’t heard these episodes yet, go back and listen. Every woman has a story and very practical advice on what we can do to support someone experiencing abuse.
You can find more information about this podcast and full episode transcripts on the Canadian Women's Foundation website (canadianwomen.org/podcast-signal-for-help).
This podcast includes stories of gender-based violence. Please listen with care.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance). For a list of shelters, other services, and information that may be helpful to you, go to SignalForHelpResponder.ca and click on “Get Help”.
When you know how to respond to the signs of abuse, you can change the story. Take action at SignalForHelpResponder.ca.
This project has been funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.
If you want more thought-provoking listens, the Canadian Women’s Foundation has another podcast called “Alright, Now What?” Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcast content.
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