A foreign domestic helper who had been working in Singapore for 5 years spoke about the tough times she went through with her employer’s sister.
Indah Yosevina said that she remembers the day very clearly. “Chinese New Year 2019, the first time she hit me because…that day we went and stayed for a few days in her house, then she just straightaway beat me on my back”.
Indah added that she did not say anything even though the family did not apologise. She said that she understood the elderly woman’s character but “some fear inside me, you know, I cannot describe”.
“Popo hit me – The first time I did not say anything and they also never said sorry.
I took care of Popo who was 96 years old. My employer’s sister would come to the house and soon I would be very fearful of her.
A video done by Iaminvisible shared Indah Yosevina’s story.
When Indah told her employer about the abuse, she said that her 72-year-old employer cried as well, but was not able to do much about the situation.
Even after leaving the family, Indah said that she would keep in touch and that she was aware when the elderly lady was hospitalised several times through the years.
“Popo passed away a few months ago. I had a good bonding with her. She was a good catholic. I remembered there was a day, (I think) she felt lonely and was praying in Cantonese. I held her hands and prayed with her in Bahasa. She smiled, as though she understood what I said”, recounted Indah.
“For me, if I can be anything, I just want to be kind”, said Indah.