Episode Description
In this episode, I'm speaking with Racha El-Dib, a Benefits Analyst and the Founder & Executive Director of Nadia's Hope Foundation, about domestic violence and why it can disproportionately affect newcomer and refugee women.
After her sister Nadia was killed by a former partner in Calgary, Racha describes what it felt like to learn about controlling behaviour that she and her family had never seen.
Racha has since gone on to set up a foundation that helps newcomer and refugee women dealing with abusive relationships.
This episode was recorded while the federal Protecting Victims Act was still going through Parliament. It received Royal Assent on June 18, 2026 and created a Criminal Code offence for patterns of coercive or controlling conduct towards an intimate partner.
NOTE: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. In Calgary and the area, the confidential FearIsNotLove Connect Helpline is available 24 hours a day at 403-234-7233. Toll-free: 1-866-606-7233.
Racha and I chat about:
How immigrant family expectations can make relationships harder to disclose
How coercive control can sometimes look like care
How Racha's community supported her family after Nadia's death
Why speaking openly can help another person recognize abuse
How a bursary continues the education Nadia couldn't finish
Dozie's Notes
A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week's conversation:
Rules can sometimes incentivize unpleasant outcomes. Banning dating doesn't always prevent kids from getting into relationships. The kids just take it underground, and the adult who might have noticed or been able to help navigate stalking, control, or a fear-based relationship is out of the loop. Immigrant parents have to ask whether a rule makes their child safer or only makes the child's life harder to see. And I am not saying let them loose.
Women can ask for help and still say they're fine when help shows up. Fear can be crippling. And it's always good to watch out for signs that tell you the victim isn't speaking freely. In such cases, escalate to as many community members as possible, as well as to law enforcement.
Official Links
✅ Connect with Racha El-Dib on LinkedIn
✅ Donate to Nadia's Hope Foundation
✅ Visit their website to learn more about the work they do
One Ask
If you found this story helpful, please consider sharing it with one Canadian immigrant you know.
Timestamps
0:00 The rising toll of intimate partner violence
0:45 Intro
2:42 Why newcomer women face extra barriers
4:47 How stigma keeps abuse hidden
8:19 When preserving culture closes off help
15:22 Nadia's story
19:13 Turning grief into prevention
23:33 Signs of abuse mistaken for love
29:56 How the law treats coercive control
36:25 What Racha would tell Nadia
38:26 Love should not hurt
43:08 Outro