OUR VALUES
Respect: We believe in the right of all people to be heard and treated with respect and dignity. Integrity: We commit to act ethically and honestly, striving to do the right thing at all times and in all circumstances. Compassion: We want compassion and kindness to be evident in our attitude, communication and in active, practical ways. Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards, l
istening and learning from those we support, our partners and each other, to continuously improve all that we do. OUR HISTORY
Hagar was founded in 1994 in response to the prevalence of extreme domestic and community violence affecting women and children in post-civil war Cambodia. In 2008, Hagar began operations in Afghanistan to support women and children facing the worst forms of gender-based violence and human trafficking. The following year, Hagar established an office in Vietnam to care for women who were affected by the growing magnitude of exploitation and abuse. More recently, Hagar began delivering programmes for women through our support office in Singapore, and we are partnering with organisations in Myanmar to increase their capacity to provide Trauma-Informed Care . With 25 years of experience, Hagar has transformed into an internationally renowned leader in recovery services for survivors of human trafficking, slavery and abuse. THE HAGAR STORY
The Hebrew name Hagar means “one who flees” or “one who seeks refuge.” The story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, is the story of millions of exploited, abused, and trafficked women and children. In around 2000 BC, Hagar worked in a foreign land as a domestic servant for a rich man called Abraham and his wife, Sarah. Sarah was unable to bear children and, following a common practice of the time, Sarah offered her servant to Abraham. When Hagar became pregnant, Sarah grew jealous and threw her out of their home. An angel found Hagar alone in the desert. He promised a blessing on her child, naming him Ishmael, which means “God hears.” In response Hagar declared: “You are the One who sees me.” The story of Hagar is known to many faiths including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Hagar is committed to providing sanctuary and hope to women and children like Hagar and Ishmael, walking the whole journey with each one. OUR SERVICES
At Hagar we are committed to the whole journey. The whole journey starts with a survivor, an individual who has experienced severe trauma as a result of slavery, trafficking, or abuse. From the moment that individual enters our care, we work with them to assess what their needs are, and offer a full range of intensive and individualised services. We rebuild trust and resilience. We can provide a safe place to live, counselling, case management services, legal support, education, and safe, empowering jobs. We create opportunities to ensure that the individual is not simply surviving, but thriving. The whole journey encapsulates each step taken by a survivor toward healing. Our goal is for each individual to be a champion for change in their own life and in the community.