St. Mary Magdalene, London Diocesan Pentitenary, was a shelter for 'fallen' women. These women were usually prostitutes, women who had sex out of wedlock, or young women who did not have familial support. The institution was devoted to redeeming and reforming these women, and to leading them onto socially acceptable paths.

Rossetti volunteered here from 1859 to 1870 and inside the penitentary she was referred to as Sister Christina. Her time spent volunteering influenced her works such as Goblin Market and Cousin Kate. Both of these works have sexual themes and descriptions. These narratives are warnings for women about what happens when you stray down this path of 'social evil'. 

https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/advertisement-for-a-house-for-fallen-...