Outsiders in the family: Abuse of migrant domestic workers in Taiwan

This study examines violence against female migrant workers employed in Taiwanese households by using the feminist perspective of gender politics. Data from in-depth interviews with twelve livein domestic workers and ten staff members from government and non-government organizations (NGOs) were examined to identify the dynamic of abuse faced by live-in domestic workers. The study results have shown that female migrant workers endure various forms of violence perpetrated by employers and their families. There is a lack of access to services for victims of domestic violence, therefore, migrant domestic workers are abused. The feminist perspective on gender politics in relation to domestic violence has to be re-evaluated in order to clarify how patriarchal power influences daily family relations through direct and indirect strategies.