When Anushka arrived in Hong Kong from India in 2021, she had high hopes for a bright future as a domestic worker. Initially facing the isolation of the city’s strict COVID-19 restrictions, she believed that her relocation would lead to positive experiences. Little did she know, she was stepping into a nightmare: a brutal rape at the hands of her employer, followed by job loss and the crushing blow to her financial security and independence.

“I had heard many good things about Hong Kong before making the decision to become a domestic worker,” Anushka shared. “But I never thought something like this could happen.” Speaking under a pseudonym to protect her identity while seeking new employment, she expressed that her faith in the justice system has only grown since her case reached a verdict.

In August, a jury unanimously found her former employer, Patrik Tobias Ekstrom, guilty of rape and “non-consensual buggery.” The horrific incident occurred on October 27, 2022, when Ekstrom returned home and assaulted her, threatening her life in the process. After enduring a grueling legal battle in which she recounted her traumatic experience multiple times, Anushka finally felt justice when Ekstrom was sentenced to seven years in prison on November 11.

Anushka's pursuit of justice was fraught with challenges. Many survivors of sexual violence choose not to report their attackers due to various psychological and societal factors. Statistics show that sexual violence crisis center RainLily observed that survivors often report incidents years later, with only 41.4% of cases being officially reported to authorities.

In Anushka's case, lack of support and resources compounded her struggles. “I had no friends or knowledge of where to seek help,” she recounted. With the weight of the threats against her, she felt compelled to go straight to the police. Her experience there was humiliating, as she faced invasive questioning while explaining the assault in detail.

After the police report, Anushka found herself in a shelter for domestic workers, where she began to connect with others who had faced similar atrocities. According to reports by organizations like Mission for Migrant Workers, abuse against domestic workers is prevalent, with one in 25 clients reporting physical or sexual assault in 2023. These alarming statistics point to systemic issues within the domestic worker community, particularly regarding the live-in policy that often leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Rachel Li, from HELP for Domestic Workers, highlighted the power imbalances and precarious situations domestic workers find themselves in. Many who approach the NGO for assistance often uncover deeper issues involving harassment and violence from employers. Li noted that existing policies discourage domestic workers from leaving abusive situations and contribute to their ongoing vulnerability.

Anushka’s journey through the legal system has been a lengthy one, taking an emotional toll as she navigated the complexities of pursuing justice while standing alone against her aggressor. Despite the challenges, she received support from various NGOs that assisted her through the process, including help with visa extensions and guidance during the hearings.

Even as Anushka continues to seek work, she reflects on her situation with resilience, contemplating how to use her voice to help others facing similar tribulations. "If I can offer support or encouragement to others, I will do my best,” she affirmed, expressing hope for a future where she can empower other survivors.

The treacherous path that Anushka has walked shines a light on the significant issues facing domestic workers in Hong Kong. As advocacy for better protections grows, the road to justice remains fraught with difficulty for many survivors. Ultimately, Anushka's story is not just about her fight for justice, but also about a call for systemic change to protect the most vulnerable members of society.