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Hayati: Stories of Hope, Resilience, and Support

Sexual violence is a harrowing reality that casts a long shadow against victim-survivors, including refugee communities.
Hayati (My Life), a groundbreaking program by STARTTS, is creating safe spaces for open dialogue on ways to prevent and respond to sexual violence for multilingual and diverse Arabic speaking communities from refugee backgrounds in Southwest and Western Sydney.
A key initiative under STARTTS’ Hayat Amina (Safe Life) 2-year pilot project, Hayati has been co-designed with the very community it serves. Sponsored by the Department of Communities and Justice, the program brings together culturally sensitive practices and lived experiences to support communities on finding ways to reduce the risk of sexual violence and support those who have been subjected to such abuse.
CEO of STARTTS, Jorge Aroche said that sexual violence is a widespread interpersonal form of trauma, a human rights violation and that impacts are far reaching.
“As a specialist state-wide torture and trauma service, STARTTS is well placed to deliver key actions for refugee communities, who are a priority population in the NSW Sexual Violence Strategy 2023-2027,” he said.
STARTTS’ Hayat Amina project lead, Dr Belinda Green added: “The project understands that communities have knowledge(s) and skills through their lived experiences, relationships, and cultural practices that can support positive action and change, including how to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
“Hayat Amina privileges collaboration with people as ‘experts’ of their own lives and finding community led solutions through safe partnerships with allies and services like STARTTS.”
At the heart of Hayati are its passionate Ambassadors, community leaders who have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by refugee survivors. They’ve played a pivotal role in shaping the program, creating a culturally safe and supportive environment where participants can feel heard, understood, and validated.
Hayati is more than just a program; it’s a collective movement. By breaking down social stigma and strengthening communities, it’s paving the way for a future where every individual, regardless of their background, understands that sexual violence is preventable and a whole community response is needed.
Inside the Hayati Sessions
Hayati isn’t your typical program. It seeks to empower participants to challenge societal norms and build stronger, safer communities.
Over six weeks, participants delve into:
- The Harsh Reality: Understanding the facts about sexual violence including who it affects, its causes and impacts.
- Spotting the Signs: Learning to recognise grooming behaviours and ways to protect themselves and their loved ones.
- Nurturing Healthy Connections: Exploring the power of healthy relationships and intergenerational support.
- Building a Safer Future: Developing practical strategies to reduce the risk of and respond to sexual violence within families and .
Through interactive sessions, including games, role-plays, art, grounding exercises, group activities and discussions, Hayati creates a safe and supportive space for participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.
The impact of Hayati extends far beyond the program itself. Participants have shared their experiences, saying:
- “I have been to many many programs, but this one is so different. I want to come every week and have learnt so much.”
- “This subject is very important to us! Our whole community needs to know this information.”
- “This program should be on television!”
A Collaborative Approach
Hayati thrives on collaboration. Its success is driven by the dedication of the 5 Hayat Amina Ambassadors, who bring deep cultural insight and a sense of community ownership to the program.
Ambassador Azhar Yeswo said that the team’s “unity in working together for a safe and sustainable life is truly inspiring, and I am grateful to be a part of this journey.”
Maysoon Elia, a program ambassador reflected on her experience, saying: “Being part of Hayati has increased my empathy and patience. It has given me the ability to create safe spaces for open discussion without judgment, help people to speak about their experiences, ask questions, and understand sexual abuse in a supportive environment.”
Ambassador, Asmaa Yousif said that she is very proud to be part of this unique program that is helping to plant these seeds for generations.
“Through my experience with Hayati participants, I realised that they need someone to give them the opportunity and to make them feel safe, confident and listen to them when talking about this topic, which is considered shameful.
“It felt like they were waiting for this opportunity to express what was on their minds.”
The program’s culturally grounded approach ensures participants feel safe to break the silence around difficult topics and fostering support within communities.
This includes the use of grounding and mindfulness techniques offered by Sundus Al-tai professional yoga practitioner and ambassador.

The Road Ahead
With sessions already delivered in Liverpool, Fairfield, and Blacktown, Hayati continues to expand. The positive evaluations confirm the program’s success, with participants gaining valuable knowledge and tools to navigate sensitive issues.
Ambassador Iman Naoum shared, “The positive feedback we’ve received shows we are achieving the project’s goals. We are reaching different people and deepening their understanding of sexual violence.”Hayati represents hope, resilience, and a future where communities come together to address and prevent sexual violence.
For more information on STARTTS’ Hayati and other Hayat Amina projects, contact Dr Belinda Green Belinda.green1@health.nsw.gov.au