Getting tougher on maid abusers

There are some 243,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore, and while many have worked here peacefully, some have been abused - mentally and physically.

Following a landmark case last Friday, the Supreme Court has laid down a sentencing framework for maid abuse, emphasising the victims' mental anguish. Stressing that maids are particularly vulnerable to abuse, the court said the emotional trauma resulting from psychological abuse is now a critical consideration in sentencing.