Monday 30th June 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of Caritas Bakhita House, the Diocese of Westminster’s safe house for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
Started as a partnership between the Church and the local authorities, Caritas Bakhita House offers round-the-clock support to women escaping Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, through personalised support programmes, trauma-informed care and in-house therapeutic activities. Since opening in 2015, the centre has been home to 214 women and 18 babies from 50 different countries.
The safe house also assists with accessing medical and psychological support, seeking legal advice and asylum, as well as supporting guests to bring perpetrators to justice. To date, guests of Caritas Bakhita House have contributed to securing over 223 years of prison sentences for traffickers.
To mark the anniversary, Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in Westminster Cathedral, attended by the centre’s staff, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers. In his homily, Cardinal Nichols noted:
If we look at the record, the achievements of [Caritas] Bakhita House; it’s a big family. It sustains people after they no longer stay; it’s helped, protected and nurtured their children. It’s built women with confidence to testify and therefore to have the traders in human flesh behind bars. That’s growth, that’s fruitfulness, that’s healing.
223
years of prison sentences secured for traffickers with the help of guests at Caritas Bakhita House
Impact in Stories
2015
“I had no idea if anyone would help me.”
Rohina was our first ever guest at Bakhita House. She travelled from India to Qatar to become a domestic worker and support her three children. On arrival, her employer sexually assaulted her. She had no money—no way to escape. The family eventually brought her to the UK. When she tried to escape, another man sexually assaulted her. She eventually got away after asking for help in a local supermarket.
“I had no idea who could help me, or if anyone would help me. Then I went to Bakhita House. You assisted me to learn English, to find housing and reconnect to my family. For this, and the life I have now, I am grateful.”
Rohina now has a part-time job and reunited with her children four years after leaving Caritas Bakhita House.
2017
“I am now a qualified nurse.”
When Folake was 14, her father brought her to the UK from Nigeria. Her step-mum was verbally abusive towards her and made her get up at 5:30am to clean the house and look after her stepsiblings. After school, she would attend homework club then return home to continue her chores until midnight. Weekends were more cleaning and caring for her younger siblings. She was not allowed to go out unaccompanied. A family friend then sexually assaulted her. When Folake confided in a teacher, the police intervened and recognised her to be a victim of trafficking for domestic servitude.
“Caritas Bakhita House played a significant role in helping me to rebuild my life. Through their various services, such as accommodation, counselling, charity volunteering and physical therapy, I gradually regained stability and direction. I am now a qualified nurse and my life has greatly improved. I am grateful to Caritas Bakhita House for creating a safe space for me to grow and achieve my goals.”
Folake is working as a nurse and living independently.
2019
“I will forever carry with me the care, love and support we received.”
Sinag had to leave her home in the Philippines when a family member sexually abused her. She applied for a job as a domestic worker in Kuwait, where she worked long hours for no pay and little food. She ran away and was promised a job in Dubai, where again she was exploited. The family brought her to the UK. A woman helped her escape and found her housing with friends. She then became pregnant. When the father of her child left her, she was referred to Caritas Bakhita House.
“My son and I stayed at Caritas Bakhita House for two years. During our stay, we received not only shelter, but also support, understanding and encouragement. The staff were always ready to listen and help in any way they could. This environment allowed both me and my son to feel secure, heal and rebuild our lives step by step. I will forever carry with me the care, love and support we received.”
Sinag is in a stable relationship. She is pregnant for a second time and working part-time.
2021
“Thank You”
Priya left India believing her husband would care for her and their children. However, she was kept in an ‘honour’-based abuse situation from 2006. She was kept in domestic servitude and sexually assaulted. She eventually escaped with one of her three children and went to the police.
“Bakhita House taught me a lot of things that helped me in my life. I learned English, how to use public transport and attend appointments on my own which helped with my confidence. Staff supported me to find a job and I have been working there since. Thank you, I am very happy!”
Priya now has a home, a job and a grandchild.
2023
“Staying strong empowers you.”
Hanh met a man through her local Vietnamese community at a vulnerable time. She had recently left her husband and children. At first, their relationship was normal. Then he began trying to sexually exploit her. He made threats to kill her and her children if she left him. He burnt her passport and took control of her children’s passports. He changed the PIN on her phone so she could not contact anyone. To escape him, she jumped from a first-floor window. She was found to have two fractures to her spine, two burn marks, a bruised neck, severe bruising around the eyes, multiple ‘historical’ stab wounds and bruising to the body.
“My first day I knew I could rest as I had found freedom. Through my stay, I became creative—to enjoy art, music and drama. I choose to cook for me and others, and found happiness and freedom for myself. I learnt it was important to be strong as a woman, not only to recover, but also self-develop and learn about life, so not to make mistakes in the future. They showed me staying strong empowers you.”
Hanh now has a job. She sees her family on a regular basis and often visits us.
2025
“Here, I found a family!”
Marcela met a man in her home country, Brazil. He told her that he loved her and would care for her if she came to the UK. But the promises of marriage and a happy family life never materialised. Marcela was forced to be a domestic slave—cleaning, cooking and providing sexual gratification. He controlled every aspect of her life. He abused her physically, sexually and mentally. He did not allow her to leave the house.
“In the worst moment of my life, when I didn’t have any way out, I found help at Caritas Bakhita House. I feel loved and protected, ready and strong to overcome my trauma. I don’t have words to describe how great is the help that I receive. Here, I found a family!”
Marcela is learning English and taking part in therapy to overcome her recent trauma.