A Singapore woman has been sentenced to four months’ jail after abusing her domestic helper in a series of incidents that included slapping her, twisting her ears, and forcibly pulling off her headscarf inside a lift.
According to CNA, The 55-year-old woman, Hasnah Hashim, was also ordered by the court to pay S$5,000 in compensation to the 32-year-old Indonesian maid. The compensation includes S$1,000 for pain and suffering and S$4,000 for loss of income.
Employer Jailed Over Multiple Acts Of Abuse
Court proceedings revealed that the offences occurred in August 2024 while the victim was employed as Hasnah’s domestic helper.
One of the most serious incidents took place on Aug. 23, 2024, after both women returned from a market visit. As they entered a lift at their residential block, the helper pressed the button to close the lift doors before her employer had fully entered.
Although Hasnah managed to stop the doors from shutting, she became enraged and allegedly grabbed the helper’s headscarf with both hands before yanking it down forcefully.
The violent act not only removed the headscarf but also pulled the victim’s hair, causing pain and distress. Prosecutors highlighted that the removal of the headscarf carried an additional element of humiliation as it was worn for religious reasons.
The incident was captured on surveillance footage and later used as evidence during court proceedings.
The victim filed a police report on the same day and underwent a medical examination.
Earlier Assault Left Victim Bruised
Medical findings showed the helper had a two-centimetre bruise on her upper lip. Investigations determined that the injury stemmed from a separate incident three days earlier.
In that case, Hasnah allegedly slapped the victim after she accidentally stored a packet of tofu in the freezer instead of the correct compartment.
Further investigations uncovered additional instances of abuse. Court documents showed that Hasnah had also hit the helper on the forehead with a mobile phone, pinched her thigh, and pulled and twisted her ears on separate occasions.
While only two charges were proceeded with in court, the remaining allegations were taken into consideration during sentencing.
The prosecution noted that the victim has remained unemployed since leaving the household in August 2024.
According to court submissions, potential employers were reluctant to hire her due to concerns that she might need to take time off work to attend court hearings and provide testimony.
At the time, the helper was earning a monthly salary of S$882.
Judge Orders Compensation Payment
Prosecutors sought a jail term of between four and six months and requested compensation of S$8,500.
The amount included compensation for pain and suffering as well as partial reimbursement for lost earnings. Although the victim had reportedly lost approximately S$18,500 in income during her unemployment period, prosecutors did not seek compensation for the full amount.
The defence argued for a shorter jail term of three months, citing Hasnah’s remorse and positive testimonials from former domestic helpers who described her as a fair employer.
Her lawyer also submitted that Hasnah had spent around S$14,600 on the victim’s accommodation and meals during the period she was unable to work.
However, prosecutors maintained that food and lodging costs should not be treated as a substitute for lost wages.
After considering the submissions, the court imposed a four-month jail sentence and ordered the compensation payment.
Under Singapore law, voluntarily causing hurt carries a maximum punishment of three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. Because the offences were committed against a domestic worker, the maximum penalties were doubled.