Getting to know the residents of our Haven Houses
Sisters Farah* and Jasmine* clung to each other for comfort as they lived through the nightmare of being trafficked by their own family to an older relative in Melbourne. Terrified and fearing for their lives, the girls resisted being forced into an illegal marriage.
Thankfully, authorities intervened and rescued the girls from slavery and child abuse – placing them under court protection.
Shocked and saddened by their ordeal, the sisters were relieved to join the understanding community at Haven House South-East Melbourne, operated by the Lighthouse Foundation. This safe house was created as part of the Young Women’s Freedom Project and is dedicated to supporting girls and young women escaping modern day slavery and forced marriage. Referrals come from agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Red Cross.
With their trust eroded, Farah and Jasmine faced the difficult task of establishing new lives in Melbourne without the support of their family. Lighthouse’s specialised therapeutic care program helped the sisters to process their trauma, rebuild their trust and sense of self, establish healthy relationships, and plan a future for themselves in a safe and nurturing environment.
Today, Farah and Jasmine have completed high school and the eldest sister is working as a teacher’s aide. While their journey to full recovery continues, they are taking brave steps towards independence and are hopeful for the future.
