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Once the domestic helper loses her job, she loses her accommodation. Many domestic helpers however will need to stay in Hong Kong to pursue labour claims or, in cases where a helper has been abused, she will need to remain in Hong Kong to assist the police. It can take many months to finish a case. While the Immigration Department will issue a visitor's visa, under normal circumstances the domestic helpers are prohibited from taking up new employment while their cases are pending. Therefore, there is an urgent need for them to have a place to stay- a safe house where abused and exploited domestic helpers can feel secure. Moved by a duty to help the stranger in our midst, Christian Action is now managing the operation of two shelters, for Indonesian and South Asian domestic helpers. Our shelter programme is a collaborated effort with funding and support from the Hong Kong Christian Council, Tsung Tsing Mission, Nethersole Fund and Basel Mission. |
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| In addition to offering a safe house/refuge for these vulnerable women, we offer some additional services in the home such as language training, We strongly believe that the results will be self-evident. One of our shelter residents stated, "After enduring so much abuse from my employer, I decided to leave my employer's house. I did not know where to go or who could help me. Someone told me to go to Causeway Bay to seek for help. I had to stay overnight under the bridge near Victoria Park without much sleep. I felt so helpless till I met a stranger who brought me to DMW. Now, I have a place to sleep and have less worry since I know that there are people who care for me and help to solve my problem." We cannot allow these women to be left without a place to stay and to provide some care in a time of need. | |
