Victimization of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research seeks to examine the forms and experiences of victimization of foreign domestic helpers in the domestic space in Hong Kong and its effects, as well as how the foreign domestic helpers cope with it and why. Kelly (1988) coined the concept of “continuum of violence” in studying the hardship faced by domestic violence victims. Victimized foreign domestic helpers have certain similarities with domestic violence victims, sharing the same gender and a role as housekeepers in a confined domestic space. The data of this research come from the semi-structured interviews with 12 (ex-) foreign domestic helpers; and with two non-government organization staff who have been providing assistance to foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Our findings uncovered victimization faced by foreign domestic helpers, which generally comprised daily events that echoed the continuum concept of Kelly (1988), acute events at the time of termination of employment, and secondary victimization from police and/or pending criminal justice proceedings after the termination. Primary victimization exerted physical effects on the foreign domestic helpers while both primary and secondary victimization contributed to their psychological harm. Other than direct victimization, indirect victimization was also observed, in that the effects of victimization extended to the families of the foreign domestic helpers. Their coping strategies included individualized and social ones, depending on the degree of victimization and the resources available. Finally, our findings suggest these women were not entirely passive victims as some foreign domestic helpers were able to exercise a degree of agency and empowerment.