Deep Dive
Why did the 23-year-old Burmese woman, Biaung, travel to Singapore to work as a maid?
Biaung traveled to Singapore to earn money to support her family and eventually return home to buy a house and land. She was from a poor village in Myanmar and had a young son to care for, making it necessary for her to find a better-paying job abroad.
Why did Biaung face such inhumane treatment from her employers in Singapore?
Biaung faced inhumane treatment because her employer, Gayathri, and her mother, Prem, had a history of abusing domestic workers. Gayathri suffered from mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and postpartum depression, which exacerbated her violent tendencies. They also saw Biaung as a convenient target for their frustrations and a source of free labor.
What specific forms of abuse did Biaung endure in the household?
Biaung endured severe physical and psychological abuse, including being forced to wear multiple layers of masks, being denied basic necessities like food and rest, being physically beaten, and being locked in a small space. She was also not allowed to use her phone or have a day off.
How did the abuse escalate over time, and what led to Biaung's death?
The abuse escalated over time, with Biaung being subjected to more frequent and severe physical violence. On July 25, 2016, Gayathri accused Biaung of stealing food and beat her severely, causing fatal injuries. Biaung was later found dead, with 78 new and old injuries, severe malnutrition, and a BMI of 11.
What was the legal outcome for Gayathri and Prem after Biaung's death?
Gayathri was initially charged with first-degree murder but was later convicted of first-degree culpable homicide and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Prem was convicted of 50 charges of abuse and was initially sentenced to 14 years, which was later extended to 17 years due to her role in tampering with evidence.
How did the community and government respond to Biaung's case?
The case caused widespread outrage in Singapore and internationally. The Singapore government urged the public to report suspected abuse of foreign workers. A fundraising campaign raised 30,000 Singapore dollars to support Biaung's family, and a documentary was released to highlight the plight of migrant workers.
What broader issues does Biaung's case highlight about the treatment of foreign domestic workers in Singapore?
Biaung's case highlights the vulnerability of foreign domestic workers to abuse, the need for better regulation and protection of their rights, and the importance of mental health support for both workers and employers. It also underscores the need for societal awareness and intervention to prevent such tragedies.
- 比昂的家庭背景和生活困境
- 前往新加坡工作的动机和过程
- 雇主家庭的构成和居住环境
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