Opposing the Abuse of Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my views towards the abuse of domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Recently, more and more mistreatment cases of domestic helpers hit the headlines. It is astonishing that those helpers can be mistreated in such a violent way. Below are the reasons why the abuse of domestic helpers should be opposed.

First and foremost, any kind of abuse is illegal.

According to the law, no one can hurt the others by any cruel means, including the domestic helpers. Although most domestic helpers are foreigners, they are protected by the law. The employers who mistreat the domestic helpers break the law and should be brought to justice. How can we accept people being mistreated illegally in Hong Kong? This is why the abuse should be prohibited.

Second, abuse cases affect Hong Kong's international image badly.

Hong Kong is a city which is known for its safety and low crime rate. However, scandals about the abuse of domestic helpers have been revealed successively in the last few months. These scandals excite criticisms among the international world. Many countries, especially Indonesia where most domestic helpers come from, blame Hong Kong people and the government. Hong Kong's image is damaged and the cooperating relationship between Hong Kong and other countries is harmed. Hong Kong may become isolated or even have no say in international affairs. Besides, domestic helpers may not be willing to work in Hong Kong as they feel that their life is threatened. It will be more difficult for Hong Kong to hire domestic helpers to cope with the housework in future.

Last but not least, abuse deprives the domestic helpers’ human rights.

Everyone is born with equality and human rights. We are expected to be treated in a fair way. How would you feel if you could not have enough time to sleep, enough food to eat or enough space to live in? Isn't it ridiculous to hear that domestic helpers are treated like animals and hit by their employers? If you were the one, you would probably call the police for help. Nevertheless, most domestic helpers are afraid of seeking help and they can only tolerate the abusive behaviour of the employers. Mistreatment leaves both physical and mental scars on domestic helpers. Employers should respect them and compensate for their offensive mistreatment.

Under no circumstances should domestic helpers be abused.

Domestic helpers should be respected, but not mistreated. Everyone should give a helping hand to solve this problem and build a harmonious society.