A Filipina domestic worker seen in several viral videos being physically assaulted by her employer in Hong Kong has been rescued by police and is now staying at the shelter of the Philippines’ Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
The Filipina, reportedly named Bernadette, was captured in one video taken at the Olympic MTR station, where she was repeatedly hit on the head and body and had her hair violently pulled by her employer. In the footage, Bernadette is seen cowering in a corner, crying helplessly as the assault continued.
In the background of the same video, a woman believed to be filming the incident could be heard shouting at fellow Filipinas to call the police.
Police Intervention Caught on Video
A succeeding video showed several Hong Kong police officers responding at the scene. Bernadette, dressed in black, was seen speaking with officers, while another officer questioned the employer—wearing a pink dress—who stood a few feet away.
Additional videos later surfaced online, including footage reportedly taken at a shopping mall on the same day, showing the employer once again pulling Bernadette’s hair aggressively in public.
Secretly Recorded Abuse Inside Employer’s Home
Image screen capture from TikTok
The most disturbing footage was a video taken inside the employer’s residence, believed to have been secretly recorded by Bernadette herself. In the clip, the employer is seen ending a phone call and, without warning, ferociously hitting the sobbing helper on the head and face.
Online commenters claimed Bernadette had been working for the employer for only about a month. She reportedly confided to friends that her employer had mental health issues and would beat her without provocation, particularly if she failed to take prescribed medication on time.
Many netizens urged Bernadette and other migrant workers experiencing abuse to seek immediate police help and not endure violence under any circumstances.
Medical Examination and Government Assistance
Following the incident, police brought Bernadette to Kwong Wah Hospital for a medical examination. The employer was taken in for questioning, although authorities have yet to confirm whether formal charges will be filed.
A volunteer from Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, who happened to be at the hospital, said Bernadette mentioned that her employer suffered from dementia, though no further details were provided.
Shortly afterward, officers from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) arrived and coordinated with Philippine officials. Bernadette was then transferred to the MWO shelter, where she is now receiving protection, rest, and assistance as her case is being assessed.
A Stark Reminder for OFWs
The case has once again sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection for migrant domestic workers, particularly those facing abuse abroad. Advocacy groups continue to urge workers to report violence immediately and remind employers that abuse—regardless of circumstance—is a criminal act.
Source SunWebHK
