Marilon Gacuya
Filipina, 35 years, ex-resident leader of HOME

“I thought working in Singapore would be nice, but some employers are not good. Many victims experience bad memories and I am one of them.

At first my employer would always scold and shout at me for any mistake I made. He was like a tiger ready to eat me. But later, after a few weeks he became kind and thoughtful. He bought food and gave me chocolates. He spoke nicely and never got angry anymore. I felt uneasy and nervous about his change of behavior.

Suddenly my anxiety was real. He molested me many times, touching and pressing my butt. I protested. But he persisted.  Then one day, when I was in the room ironing the clothes, he forced himself upon me, hugging and groping my body. I stamped on his feet and escaped. I ran to the bathroom and locked myself from inside till his daughter came home. I wanted to die with anger and nervousness, I wanted to kill myself. I wanted to shout but all I could do is to cry with tears in fear and helplessness.

I remembered my kids. I wanted to give them better life. We belong to a poor family but full of respect and dignity. I called MOM and waited for a response but nothing. So I ran to H.O.M.E. and my life became colorful again. Thanks H.O.M.E.”

Marilon is a single mother. All she dreams of is a happy family. Unfortunately for her, her trials came when her husband left her six years ago to serve a prison sentence.  She has since left Singapore for the Philippines penniless. Marilon hopes to return to Singapore to work again for her children – her daughters and her son.

« back to archive listing