A maid in Singapore, Aye Aye Aung, was sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment on March 28, 2023, after pleading guilty to two counts of voluntarily causing hurt to a vulnerable elderly woman under her care. The 32-year-old Myanmar national also admitted to placing tape over the victim’s mouth to muffle her screams.
According to Strait Times, The abuse came to light when the victim’s 43-year-old granddaughter received a series of videos from her aunt, showing Aye Aye Aung physically assaulting the elderly woman. The videos, captured on February 23 and 27, 2024, displayed the maid punching, slapping, and restraining the victim, who was 101 years old and dependent on others for basic activities of daily living.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from February 23, 2024, revealed that Aye Aye Aung punched the victim multiple times, causing her to wail in pain. The maid then tied the victim’s hands to the bed railings and restrained her by kneeling on her chest with her full body weight. Fearing for her safety, the elderly woman raised her hand to defend herself.
APP Chye Jer Yuan, the Assistant Public Prosecutor, stated that the victim did not suffer severe injuries due to the offender’s actions. However, the incident left the elderly woman with multiple bruises on her arms, chest, and right forearm.
Aye Aye Aung’s sentence reflects the severity of her actions and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals in our society. The case also highlights the need for proper care and supervision of elderly individuals, particularly those with limited mobility and dependence on others for daily living.
For voluntarily causing hurt, an offender can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $5,000, or both. In this case, the maximum sentence could be doubled due to the involvement of a vulnerable victim. Aye Aye Aung’s 20-week sentence sends a strong message to caregivers and maids, emphasizing their responsibility to treat those under their care with compassion, dignity, and respect.