Maid's tale of abuse is just one among many
Shelter logs two cases of abuse every single day as helpers flee violence, maltreatment
At a 900 sq ft temporary refuge for foreign domestic helpers who can no longer stay with their employers, at least 16 Filipino and Indonesian women are squeezed inside. The Sheung Wan flat has one bedroom, a kitchen and a small office.
Bethune House was set up in 1986 by the Mission for Migrant Workers and provides short-term accommodation, meals, counselling, and training workshops to migrant workers in need of help or with legal problems.
"Chatting with friends here makes my days easier since waiting for the unknown future is stressful," says Nur Hariyanfi, one of the residents.
The 30-year-old said she moved into the shelter in early February after her 81-year-old employer attacked her with a hot iron, scalding her left hand.
Recounting the moment, the Indonesian domestic helper said: "I was very shocked. My soul is gone."
Hariyanfi said her employer verbally abused her and attacked her because she didn't iron the curtains properly before Lunar New Year and accidently hurt the old woman's finger in a quarrel.
After the alleged attack with the iron, Hariyanfi turned to a social worker, who later introduced her to the shelter.