Breaking the Silence: When a Brave Voice Sheds Light on Hidden Realities

Last week, NBFSA had the honour of attending an unforgettable presentation by Colette Martin, an activist and survivor of domestic violence. From her very first words, a powerful silence settled over the room:

"Hello, everyone. My name is Colette Martin. I am a survivor of domestic violence… and today, I am a warrior."

With incredible strength, Colette shared her story. She thanked NBFSA and the team for inviting her, emphasizing how important it is to give a voice to those who can no longer speak – the survivors, the missing, the women we’ve lost right here in New Brunswick and across Canada in 2025.

Disturbing Realities

Colette shared shocking statistics that highlighted the scope of the issue:

• In Canada, a woman is killed by her partner every 36 hours.

• New Brunswick has the highest rate of police-reported domestic violence in the Maritimes.

• Over 85% of victims of reported domestic homicides are women.

• 70% of these deaths occur in small towns or rural areas.

• 2 out of 3 women killed in NB were living with the accused.

Even more disturbing is the lack of access to information: "New Brunswick is the province where it's hardest to access data on murder-suicides. And without data, how can we create change?"

A Story of Survival and Courage

Colette recounted the traumatic event that changed her life forever. Although it happened years ago, it remains painfully relevant. She had already left her abusive partner, but he continued to harass her. One evening, after refusing his repeated advances, she had a bad feeling. Trusting her instincts, she called her cousin and went to spend the night with her, just in case.

That night, a loud crash. Suddenly, she was face to face with the man she had once loved, holding a knife and saying: "Tonight, you’re going to die."

What followed was nightmarish: stabbing, her throat slit, an attempted murder in front of her sleeping child. Thanks to her instincts, her strength, and her cousin’s presence, she survived. "That night, I saw my arteries in the mirror. It’s an image I will never forget."

But the trauma didn’t end there. At the hospital, a doctor greeted her coldly, reinforcing the stigma: "Things like this don’t happen to good girls." A painful reminder of the lack of compassion too many victims face.

Domestic Violence Isn't Always What You Think

Colette reminded us that violence isn’t always physical. It can also be:

• Psychological: constant criticism, isolation, humiliation.

• Verbal: threats, insults, intimidating tone.

• Financial: control over money, preventing a partner from working.

• Sexual: coercion, rape, lack of consent.

• Physical: hitting, injuries, confinement.

Violence can creep into a relationship so subtly that the victim begins to question their own reality.

Resources to Break the Cycle

If you’re in a violent situation or worried about someone who might be:

📞 SOS Domestic Violence – 1-800-363-9010 | sosviolenceconjugale.ca 

📞 Info-Social 811 – Professionals available 24/7 

🏠 Shelters – Look for services in your local area

Speaking up is an act of courage. Listening without judgment makes you an ally.

A Survivor Turned Advocate

In December 2022, thanks to her tireless efforts and resilience, Colette helped bring about the passing of Bill 17 in New Brunswick – now known as Colette’s Law – giving people the right to know if a partner has a history of violence. A major step forward for women’s safety.

"I wish that law had existed back then. My ex had already broken another woman’s jaw. I only learned that during my trial. I could have made an informed choice."

A Call for Action

"I’m here to make a difference. I want to change the world, one heart at a time. But I need you. Because only together can we take on such an important mission."

Domestic violence doesn’t have a stereotype. It affects every social class, every background, every culture. It should not be a shameful secret. What is truly shameful is our collective silence.

"I survived. I was heard, and I’m here to tell those who are still silent: there is hope. There are resources. And above all, there are people ready to believe you."

Together, let’s break the silence.