“I’m very grateful to The Passage and to the staff members like you [The Modern Slavery Navigator], who gave me reason to live and were so kind to me.” – Felicity
Felicity* came to The Passage after experiencing homelessness, following periods spent in refuges after fleeing abusive relationships. Initially, she was supported by The Passage’s Migrant Development Worker due to her having no status.
Over time, however, concerns emerged about Felicity’s early life experiences. Following an assessment by the Modern Slavery Navigator, it became clear that she had been subjected to severe exploitation and abuse during her childhood in Nigeria.
Felicity disclosed that her mother had sold her into labour exploitation, and she was forced to work in a hotel from a young age while enduring significant trauma and abuse. Eventually, she managed to escape her situation on her own.
For many years, Felicity had understandably focused on the more recent trauma she had experienced through domestic abuse, and her childhood experiences had never been fully explored or addressed. With the support of The Passage, she was able to begin processing these earlier experiences and understand the lasting impact they had on her life.
As a result, Felicity was referred into the NRM, enabling her to access specialist support and focus on her recovery. The referral also provided a pathway to greater financial and housing stability, reducing the uncertainty she had faced for many years. Following a stay in a safe house, Felicity received a positive Conclusive Grounds decision and successfully moved into settled accommodation in London.
Today, Felicity is in a far more secure position, with the safety, stability and support needed to continue rebuilding her life after years of exploitation, abuse and homelessness.
*Name changed for anonymity