Lindiwe (not her real name) is a 27-year-old mother of 3 young boys, 12 years old, 5 years old and 6 months old.  She found out that she was HIV positive when she was pregnant with her last-born child. Her boyfriend who is the father of the 6-month-old was physically and verbally abusing her.

She was referred by the Day Hospital Social Workers to Nonceba. With her family far away in Limpopo, she had no support. Lindiwe stayed at the Nonceba shelter for 6 months and was then reunited with her family. She received counselling and did a 6-week course as a cashier to up-skill her.

A Protection Order was implemented for the ex-boyfriend. Her 12-year-old son was able to continue to go to school, and her 5-year-old to pre-school. She was empowered with knowledge about taking care of her children and given a safety plan when she exited the Nonceba shelter.