{"id":4306,"date":"2019-11-25T07:52:57","date_gmt":"2019-11-24T23:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-54-254-239-209.ap-southeast-1.compute.amazonaws.com\/?p=4306"},"modified":"2026-01-28T01:50:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T17:50:57","slug":"bringing-assistance-abused-domestic-helpers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/bringing-assistance-abused-domestic-helpers\/","title":{"rendered":"Bringing Assistance to Abused Domestic Helpers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Updated 25 January 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/bringing-assistance-abused-domestic-helpers\/#What_constitutes_abuse\" >What constitutes abuse?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/bringing-assistance-abused-domestic-helpers\/#What_actions_should_be_taken\" >What actions should be taken?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/bringing-assistance-abused-domestic-helpers\/#List_of_Hong-Kong_based_organisations_committed_to_protecting_and_bringing_assistance_to_FDWs\" >List of Hong-Kong based organisations committed to protecting and bringing assistance to FDWs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/bringing-assistance-abused-domestic-helpers\/#Why_Speaking_Up_Matters\" >Why Speaking Up Matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Any search about domestic helper abuse in Hong Kong will send you down a scary rabbit hole. Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) abuse is widespread. In the past few years, several cases of mistreatment and abuse have shed light on those inhumane practices that (still) take place behind closed doors. Shockingly, those practices are by no means isolated incidents; however, the majority of cases go unreported \u2013 FDWs are not allowed to work while waiting for a case to be tried. This tricky rule deters many victims from reporting any abuse as they simply can\u2019t afford not to work. On top of that, several policies (such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/hong-kong\/issue-domestic-helper\">2-week rule and the live-in policy<\/a>) make this category of workers more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_constitutes_abuse\"><\/span><strong>What constitutes abuse?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mistreatment and abuse of domestic helpers are a harsh reality in Hong Kong. They come in various forms, with varying degrees of severity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial abuse \u2013 includes the high agency placement fees charged by some unscrupulous maid agencies (and often disguised as training fees). There are also occurrences of agencies inciting and even forcing helpers to take up loans from loan sharks so they can pay for the illegal and exorbitant placement fees they are charged;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passports being kept by employers or placement agencies, thus preventing workers from leaving their employer even in the event of abuse or mistreatment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verbal abuse \u2013 a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legco.gov.hk\/yr13-14\/english\/panels\/mp\/papers\/mp0227cb2-870-11-e.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2014 survey by Mission for Migrant Workers<\/a> showed that 58% of the FDWs interviewed reported verbal abuse, 18 % physical abuse and 6 % sexual abuse;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploitative working conditions \u2013 including (but hardly limited to) the absence of day-offs, long working hours, and wage exploitation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deprivation of food and rest;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical and\/or sexual abuse \u2013 the \u2018live-in\u2019 rule makes it compulsory for FDWs to reside in their employer\u2019s home which can be problematic if FDWs face abusive employers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-surrounded-by-hands-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-surrounded-by-hands-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-surrounded-by-hands-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-surrounded-by-hands-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-surrounded-by-hands-1200x821.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_actions_should_be_taken\"><\/span><strong>What actions should be taken?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is understandable that anyone witnessing any form of abuse might feel disturbed, overwhelmed, and even helpless. There are, however, a few things that each and every one of us can do in such situations to ensure the safety and the protection of the victims. Assessing the accessibility and receptivity of the victim is crucial \u2013 if they appear to be receptive, provide them with a listening ear (but only if it is possible to engage in a conversation with them without putting them and yourself in danger) and try to understand what the situation is like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you witness abuse or identify signs of physical abuse, encourage the victim to seek medical attention \u2013 remind them that it is also the best way to gather solid evidence should they want to build a case and press charges at a later point. No matter what you believe should be done, do not make any decisions for them. Let them know what their options are and recommend that they get in touch with the authorities or one of the many support organisations who are committed to bringing assistance to foreign domestic helpers facing abuse or mistreatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that, referring the victim to the authorities or to a competent organisation is surely the best thing you can do as they know best how to handle abuse and mistreatment cases. If you believe that a situation has gotten out of hand and that the victim requires immediate assistance, do not hesitate to contact a competent organisation that will advise on the next steps to follow and contact the authorities should they deem that to be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"List_of_Hong-Kong_based_organisations_committed_to_protecting_and_bringing_assistance_to_FDWs\"><\/span><strong>List of Hong-Kong based organisations committed to protecting and bringing assistance to FDWs <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.christian-action.org.hk\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian Action Centre for Domestic Migrant Workers<\/a> provides shelter, psychological support, protection, and legal assistance to FDWs who have been abused in various ways.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.enrichhk.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Enrich<\/a> focuses primarily on promoting the economic and financial empowerment of FDWs in Hong Kong through education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfordomesticworkers.org\/en\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HELP for Domestic Workers<\/a> (formerly known as Helpers for domestic Helpers) has become a vital actor in the provision of free advice and assistance particularly on human rights issues affecting domestic workers in Hong Kong.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.migrants.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mission for Migrant Workers<\/a> (MMW) serves FDWs in Hong Kong through various programs focusing on crisis intervention and prevention. MMW\u2019s Bethune House Migrant Women\u2019s Refuge brings assistance to foreign domestic helpers in times of need by providing them with emergency shelter and food. Bethune House also offers empowering services \u2013 such as skills-building classes \u2013 to FDWs who have been abused or mistreated and who are in dire need of support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pathfinders is a human rights organisation that assists pregnant FDWs, vulnerable mothers, and their children by helping them gain access to health care, legal protection and emergency accommodation among others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (ACSBAW)&nbsp;or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rainlily.org.hk\/en\/rainlily\/%E9%97%9C%E6%96%BC%E9%A2%A8%E9%9B%A8%E8%98%AD\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rainlily<\/a> runs a hotline and a crisis centre for women victim of sexual abuse and offers medical examination and psychological support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Speaking_Up_Matters\"><\/span><strong>Why Speaking Up Matters<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bringing attention to abuse matters. Domestic helpers contribute essential care and work in many households, yet power imbalances and isolation can hide serious rights violations. When friends, employers, or community members are aware and act with care, helpers are more likely to get safe, just outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treating helpers with respect and knowing how to help in difficult situations strengthens families and communities alike.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated 25 January 2026 Any search about domestic helper abuse in Hong Kong will send you down a scary rabbit hole. Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) abuse is widespread. In the past few years, several cases of mistreatment and abuse have shed light on those inhumane practices that (still) take place behind closed doors. Shockingly, those [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4308,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Practical steps and resources to help domestic helpers who experience abuse. Know the signs, legal rights, reporting options, and where to find support.","title":"Bringing Assistance to Abused Domestic Helpers - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[184],"tags":[347],"class_list":["post-4306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rights-regulation","tag-scams-disputes"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/woman-surrounded-by-hands.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4306"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15141,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4306\/revisions\/15141"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}