5 essential tips for parents on handling child abuse by foreign domestic helpers

A woman from Kowloon's Kai Tak area reported to the police that her 3-year-old daughter had bruises on her hands and waist recently.

After preliminary investigations, a 27-year-old foreign domestic helper (FDH) employed by the woman was arrested on suspicion of child abuse. A video circulating online showed a 5-year-old autistic and intellectually disabled boy allegedly abused by a FDH in his home this June, leading to the worker's arrest. Incidents of child abuse by FDHs raise serious concerns for parents.

Definition of Child Abuse

Although there is no specific legal definition of child abuse in local laws, the Social Welfare Department defines it as actions that endanger or harm the physical or mental health development of individuals under 18 years of age.

Signs of Child Abuse

1. Sudden deterioration in sleep quality, including night terrors, fear of the dark, and recurring nightmares.
2. Increased wariness of strangers and new environments, clinging more to the mother.
3. A previously cheerful child becoming distant, indifferent, and often appearing lost in thought.
4. A regression in previously acquired abilities or returning to old, discarded habits.
5. Repeatedly engaging in the same play or actions.
6. Reluctance to return to similar settings where the abuse may have occurred.
7. Signs of self-harm like bed-wetting or hair-pulling.
8. Strange behaviors when the abuser is mentioned.
9. Sudden instances of toy-throwing or engaging in violent play.

Legal Implications of Child Abuse

Any form of violence against children, including those committed by FDHs, is a criminal offense under Chapter 212 of the Offences against the Person Ordinance, which includes several crimes related to the unlawful application of force.

Preventive Measures Against Child Abuse

- Install CCTV: Experts suggest installing CCTV at home to monitor interactions between the FDHs and children, especially since they often spend significant time alone with them.

- Closely monitor physical signs: Parents should bathe their children themselves when possible to check for any signs of injury and observe how children behave around their FDHs. Pay more attention to the situation of the FDHs with the children, including:

1. whether the child is afraid of the FDH, e.g. hiding or crying when he/she sees the FDH?
2. does the child refuse to let the FDH bathe him/her?
3. does the child refuse to let the FDH feed him/her?
4. does the child scold the FDH?
5. does the child like to greet or smile at the FDH?
6. does the child like to play with the FDH?

- Do not delegatize discipline to FDHs: It is recommended that parents do not delegate the disciplining of their children to FDHs as it may lead to conflicts and misunderstandings about appropriate disciplinary methods.

-Taking Injured Children to Public Hospitals: If a child is suspected to be injured, experts advise against taking them to a private doctor but rather to a public hospital emergency room for a formal injury assessment, which can provide a legal and medically supported report.

- Encouraging respect and acceptance: Employers should set an example by treating FDHs respectfully, acknowledging their hard work, and teaching children to treat them as they would a respected family member.

Choosing the Right FDH

Before hiring, employers should clearly understand their family's needs and expectations and communicate these with employment agencies to minimize differences. Meeting with FDHs to assess their experience, skills, and personality can help ensure a good fit for the family.

These measures can help prevent child abuse and ensure a safe and positive environment for children and FDHs alike.

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