In this powerful discussion, Darune Henry, a personal trainer and influencer, shares her harrowing experience of being attacked during a morning run. She recounts her split-second decision that led to her assailant's capture and emphasizes her journey from being a Kurdish refugee to a fierce advocate for women's empowerment and self-protection. The conversation explores the emotional aftermath of violence, the complexities of justice, and the challenges victims face in navigating their rights, all while championing resilience and support for survivors.
Darune Henry's courageous response during her attack showcased the importance of self-defense training in potentially life-threatening situations.
The inadequate legal response to Darune's case highlights systemic failures in supporting victims and addressing the complexities of trauma publicly.
Deep dives
Darune Henry's Life-Altering Attack
On September 15, 2021, Darune Henry, a personal trainer and mother, experienced a terrifying encounter during a jog in a park in Toronto. After a suspicious man approached her, Darune instinctively recognized the danger when he attempted to strangle her. Drawing on her boxing training, she managed to fight back by punching him in the jaw, a reaction that surprised both of them. This confrontation not only put her in immediate peril but also empowered her to protect herself against a potential rapist.
The Aftermath of the Attack
After the attacker fled the scene, Darune recorded a video of him running away, which she hoped would serve as crucial evidence. However, when police arrived, they expressed limited action could be taken with the footage. The emotional toll of the incident soon became overwhelming for Darune, as she experienced shock, physical sickness, and lingering trauma from the attack. The authorities' failure to take immediate action left her feeling frustrated and unsafe in her own neighborhood.
Viral Response and Its Consequences
In the wake of the attack, Darune decided to share her experience and recorded footage on social media to raise awareness. Her video quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and sparking conversations around victim behavior and societal support. While the widespread attention provided her some validation, it also led to victim-blaming comments and intense scrutiny. This experience highlighted the complexities of navigating personal trauma in a public space and the societal expectations placed on survivors.
A Tragic Pattern and Legal Disappointment
Darune learned that her attacker had a history of targeting women, as evidenced by a subsequent attack that occurred just days after hers. This realization brought her to a mental space where she felt the legal system had severely failed in protecting victims. After a lengthy wait, she discovered that her attacker received an insufficient sentence of house arrest and probation, exacerbating her feelings of injustice. Throughout this ordeal, Darune's motivation to advocate for victims was strongly influenced by both her traumatic experiences and her desire to ensure better legal protections for others.
My Favorite Murder presents the premiere of our newest true crime podcast, The Knife: A True Crime Podcast, on the Exactly Right network. The Knife is a storytelling show that cuts deep into the most fascinating, chilling and complex cases, bringing you the sharpest true crime analysis with a cinematic edge.
In the first episode of The Knife, hosts Hannah and Patia speak with Darun Henry. While on a morning run through her neighborhood park, Darun is attacked by a stranger and makes a split-second decision that will lead to her assailant’s capture.
Listen on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And for updates, behind-the-scenes content and more, follow @theknifepod on Instagram and Bluesky.