Cyril-lee | Onehunga, Auckland

“Regret giving up my home in Avondale, but trying to move forward and get a new home, and start something fresh now, is probably the silver lining.

Due to domestic violence I really had to leave home because it wasn’t working. It wasn’t healthy, and now I’m on an upscale level to try and get me and my son a healthier and happier home.

It’s probably knowing that I can’t always rely on my partner and just to follow my own advice, and try not to get persuaded into doing things I shouldn’t be doing.

I was born in Kaeo. That’s Far North, and then moved to Tauranga when I was 14. We lived there for 10 years, and then became a mum at 22. I whāngai’ed my sister’s son, and then have just been working and trying to be happy and live life to the fullest. 

I value happiness and good health. Well I’m hoping for stability and to be stable and have a good, happy, stable work, really and get a good job, and just be, be the best that I can for my son, yeah.”

**  For specialised family violence help free call 0800 456 450 or www.areyouok.org.nz/i-need-help/ **