One Story of Many

Violence & Prostitution...now studying to be a social worker

Manua fell pregnant to her abusive partner at age 14, and gave birth alone in her bath tub. One evening, fueled with rage, Manua's partner threw the baby on the floor breaking her legs and spine. The baby was in a coma for three months and now lives with permanent disabilities. Manua's child was removed by Child, Youth and Family and she began living on the streets, drug addicted and prostituting. At 17 with a second child on the way, Manua sought help. With Te Whakaora's intensive support, she has experienced emotional healing from past trauma, is drug free and parenting her new child confidently. Manua is now studying to become a social worker, determined to help other young mothers in her community.