A domestic worker in Singapore, Sakinah, was sentenced to three weeks in jail after pleading guilty to causing harm to an 8-year-old boy with special needs. The incident occurred on January 31, 2024, when the boy was slow to put on his shoes and Sakinah became frustrated. She slapped, dragged, and kicked the boy, causing a scratch on his arm and a knee abrasion. The incident was captured on a neighbor’s doorbell camera and reported to the police.
Sakinah, a 25-year-old Indonesian national, had been working for the boy’s family since June 2023 and was responsible for taking care of the children and doing household chores. The boy was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and required special attention. On the day of the incident, she asked the victim and his siblings to get ready for school, but the boy was slow to put on his shoes. Sakinah took away his toys, but the boy began to shout and refused to wear his shoes. She then slapped, dragged, and kicked the boy, causing him to miss his bus. reported The Straits Times (ST)
The prosecution argued that Sakinah’s actions were a “disproportionate response” to the boy’s tantrum and that she had acted “especially violently” by kicking the boy. They sought a “short custodial sentence” on the grounds that “minor hurt” had been caused by the incident. During her mitigation plea, Sakinah pleaded for leniency, stating that she had a six-year-old child living with her mother in Indonesia and that she was the sole breadwinner as her husband had left her family.
The judge noted that while the injuries were minor, Sakinah had hit the boy multiple times. The judge was quoted saying: “Looking after a child, especially one who is a special needs child, can be challenging and trying at times. However, all caregivers must not allow their frustrations to boil over resulting in the venting of them in a violent manner to a defenceless child.”
This incident highlights the importance of proper care and attention for children with special needs and the consequences of using violence as a form of discipline. It also serves as a reminder for caregivers to remain patient and understanding, even in challenging situations. The use of violence as a form of discipline is not acceptable and can result in serious consequences.
It is important for families with special needs children to provide proper training and support for their caregivers to ensure they are equipped to handle the challenges that come with caring for a child with special needs. Additionally, it is crucial for caregivers to seek help and support when needed, rather than resorting to violence.
In conclusion, the incident involving Sakinah and the 8-year-old boy with special needs serves as a reminder of the importance of proper care and attention for children with special needs and the consequences of using violence as a form of discipline. It is crucial for caregivers to remain patient and understanding, and to seek help and support when needed. The use of violence as a form of discipline is not acceptable and can result in serious consequences.