A sanctuary for domestic violence survivors has opened in Queensland in honour of Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were killed by her former partner in 2020.
Nine townhouses have been opened in a secret location in inner-city Brisbane as a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence situations.
The refuge was named Hannah’s Sanctuary after Clarke and her three children — Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey — who burned to death when Clarke’s estranged husband, Rowan Baxter, poured petrol on them and set their car on fire.
The refuge was built by the Clarke family in collaboration with Small Steps 4 Hannah and Beyond DV.
“Everyone’s pulled together, everyone’s chucked in, either donating time or products,” Sue Clarke told 9News.
“There are too many to name but our hearts go out and thank them very much, everyone involved in it.”
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“The thought of women and children, running around and playing, feeling free and the women feeling safe, it melts my heart the thought of it.”
An anonymous donor helped make the Hannah Sanctuary possible.
”He said ‘I’ve got a block of land and I want to partner with you to build housing for your families’,” Carolyn Robinson from Beyond DV said.
“They’re not going to be alone on their journey, there’s going to be someone walking with them every step of the way.”
Hannah’s Sanctuary will also offer a range of recovery programs and services for it’s residents.
It’s hoped the first residents will move in next month, kick-starting the program.
