To mark the feast of its patron saint, Josephine Bakhita, on 8 February, Caritas Bakhita House is pleased to share its Annual Report for 2025, featuring exclusive testimonials from guests collected over the past 10 years.
Caritas Bakhita House is our safe house providing round-the-clock support to female survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. Opened in 2015, the centre has offered safety, community and tailored support to 224 women and 19 babies from across the globe; 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The 2025 Annual Report showcases the impact of Caritas Bakhita House on the lives of 10 women who have walked through its doors — one for each year since the centre’s opening. The report also includes statistics about the origin and background of the safe house’s guests over the years, the story of a guest who bravely testified against her perpetrator, and insight into the centre’s support for mothers and babies.
The report closes with a reflection by John R Bateson on his experiences as art tutor at the centre, as well as a spotlight on two of the centre’s supporters who accomplished incredible feats to raise money for the safe house.
Introducing the report, Karen Anstiss, Head of Caritas Bakhita House, writes:
I want to thank everyone who has supported our guests — volunteers, donors, staff members and the wider team. Most of all, I want to acknowledge the bravery and determination of each woman to persevere and build themselves a new future. You are my heroes!
Caritas Bakhita House is a safe house for survivors of modern slavery, exploitation and human trafficking. Since opening in 2015, the centre has provided accommodation to over 220 women and 19 babies from almost 50 different countries. Alongside tailored therapeutic and trauma-informed care, the centre also assists women with bringing perpetrators to justice, and has helped to secure a total of 231 years of prison sentences.
