This week, we meet Ruby – a strong advocate for the work of the Canadian Women’s Foundation.  

Ruby is based in Toronto, with a young daughter, a loving family, and strong ties to her South Asian community. She is also the survivor of physical, emotional, and “all forms of violence” experienced at the hands of her ex-husband while living with him and his family.  

She describes her ex-husband’s family as complicit in the abuse, which left her feeling isolated and helpless even though she was surrounded by people. She describes the shame she carried – for her “choice” in the relationship, and for the times she left and returned. And, she describes her final exit alongside her family and the court systems, all motivated by her fierce love and protection for her daughter.  

Now that she has experienced support and accessed resources available to her, she wants others to know that there is hope. 

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.