Hong Kong shelter for migrant women set to close without urgent HK$1 million donation
Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge says donations have dried up, and urgently needs HK$1 million and more to stay open next year
When Indonesian domestic helper Sri* ran away from her employer’s home two months ago, she made her way to Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.
It has provided her with free boarding, food and support while her complaint of assault is dealt with by the police and the Labour Tribunal handles a separate case.
The 46-year-old alleged that her employer’s adult daughter would routinely get drunk and assault her. The police got involved one night, after the daughter was suspected of throwing a phone at Sri.
Sri filed assault charges over that incident, but said she fled her employer’s home fearing for her safety. Without money to support herself, she went to the shelter on the recommendation of a friend.
Bethune House has allowed her to stay in Hong Kong, but she has been shaken by news that it is at risk of closing down by the end of the year.
“I’m very worried,” she said. “If my case isn’t settled by December I don’t know what will happen.”
The shelter put out an urgent call for donations last month, revealing that it would have to close if it did not raise HK$1 million (US$128,800).
