Kamal Dhillon is an author, an inspirational speaker and a domestic violence counselor. Her book, Black & Blue Sari, is a harrowing autobiography of the abuse and torment she suffered through by the hands of her husband after her marriage. Her story and message is one that will affect you, disturb you, enrage you and will open your eyes to the reality and severity of domestic violence.
After an arranged marriage into an influential and wealthy family, the life of a young South Asian girl is drastically changed for the worse. Married in her late teens into a very wealthy and influential family, Kamal dreamed of a life as a princess. This dream soon faded and Kamal realized the harsh reality of her new life. With promises of a fairy tale life echoing in her ears, she is thrown into a world of abuse, violence and torture. Afraid for the lives of her family and children, she constantly looked death in the face but survived to tell her story.
Black and Blue Sari is a true story about the cost of leaving a toxic relationship and how the transition can empower you and those around you. Domestic violence is an epidemic that leaves no community unaffected; one in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
Since the release of her book in late November 2009, Dhillon has made appearances on both radio and TV and she has been the speaker and workshop facilitator at numerous venues including high schools, community events and places of worship.
Kamal is a mother of four and has two grandchildren. She has been described as an individual with powerhouse ability to encourage men and women. She shares her story both locally and abroad. She continues to be a voice to the voiceless. Through her presentations she hopes to empower men, women and children to live life to the fullest potential.
Awards
Recipient of Certificate of Merit, Canada Heritage Ministry, Canada, 1994
Recipient of Courage Community Leader Award, Surrey, BC, 2010
Recipient of the Shakti (Courage) Award, Surrey, BC, 2011
Recipient of the Sher-E-Punjab Award in Outstanding Service, 2011
Recipient for Courage to Come Back Award, BC, 2012
Media
Global TV, 6 O’clock News Hour
WUSA 9, Washington, DC
The Province Article, Vancouver, BC
Full Circle TV program, Ontario
Bill Good Show (CKNW)
CBC RADIO, Vancouver BC and CBC Radio, White Horse, Yukon,
Gup Shup (RJ1200),
P3 (Joy TV), Vancouver BC
Women in Focus TV program, Vancouver BC
Omni TV News, Vancouver BC
GS with GS live TV program, New York City
Listen UP TV, Toronto
100 Huntley Street, Ontario