Fashion designer Lisa Von Tang recently shared a tragedy that occurred with a domestic helper, after she was locked up by her employer for three months after arriving in Singapore. The maid apparently jumped to her death from the 15th floor…
“I will NEVER understand why domestic helper abuse is so RAMPANT in Singapore?!” she says, in shock and frustration.
Singapore Maid Commits Suicide…
Lisa revealed on Facebook, “A helper jumped to her death yesterday, from 15 floors up.
“My helper just told me a really sad story about how her friend’s cousin died yesterday, after having been locked up by her employer for three MONTHS after arriving in Singapore.
“She was a first-time helper, and her phone was confiscated shortly upon arrival. She was given no off days, and her cousin never saw her once in the three months that she lived in Singapore. The case was closed, with cause of death being suicide.”
Lisa is unable to understand the inhuman treatment meted out to maids by their employers.
“If they are crappy, then FIRE THEM,” or train them, she reasons.
We fail to understand that maids are not born maids. It is their circumstances that lead them to “serve” us here.
In Lisa’s words, “My helper is ‘merely’ a helper because she is from a poor family in the Philippines. Not because she’s not extremely smart, competent, and dedicated to her work.”
“If she was born in Canada like I was, she would have been able to complete her engineering degree, and led a very different life. The major difference between our life trajectories is that my country’s government was more responsible than hers.”
Finally, she has this plea for all of us, “Be mindful. Report abuse.
“We should not live in a society where its common for helpers to kill themselves, because they cannot stand the abuse from their employers.”
Here is Lisa’s full post on Facebook:
Being Responsible for Your Maids
It is quite unfortunate that many people still treat their maids more like slaves and less like employees. There are laws in place to protect the rights of maids. If convicted, maid abusers can be jailed for up to three years and fined up to $7,500.
Employers are responsible for the health and well-being of maids. They are also required by law to provide for rest days, proper accommodation, adequate medical care and safe work conditions.
The MOM also reminds us to report any maid abuse case that we come across to mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg or call 6438 5122.
Alternatively, you can:
- Advise her to call:
- FDW Helpline 1800 6339 5505 (+65 6339 5505 for overseas callers)
- Centre for Domestic Employees 1800 225 5233 (24 hrs)
- Accompany her to make a complaint personally at:
MOM Services Centre – Hall A
1500 Bendemeer Road
Singapore 339946
Also, if you feel that the maid requires emotional support or help, please call SOS (Samaritans of Singapore) on 1800-221 4444 (24-hour helpline), or e-mail them at pat@sos.org.sg.
Here’s hoping that more tragedies can be averted…
Also READ: Maid Falls From Window Of Simei Block, Gets Severely Injured