Domestic helper who punched autistic boy 23 times, recorded abuse jailed in Singapore

A 29-year-old Indonesian domestic worker has been jailed for three years in Singapore after abusing a four-year-old autistic boy in her care, allegedly striking him at least 23 times and recording the abuse, according to Singapore’s CNA. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect the victims, also kicked the boy in the head twice and recorded videos of his naked family members.

The court heard that the autistic boy was unable to communicate his distress to his parents, making him particularly vulnerable to the abuse. She allegedly sprayed water directly into the face of his one-year-old brother for 16 seconds, causing him to flinch and cry. The abuse came to light in March when the boy's employer discovered videos and photos of the incidents on the woman's phone.

Prosecutors argued that while the woman's actions may have stemmed from exhaustion and frustration, they did not justify the violence. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the breach of trust and the severity of abusing a non-verbal child who could not seek help.