A Shocking Betrayal of Trust

SINGAPORE: In a disturbing case that highlights the fragility of trust in childcare, Osayan Mevil Rosales, a 26-year-old maid from the Philippines, has received a nine-month prison sentence for repeatedly hitting a seven-month-old baby she was hired to care for.

The Unthinkable Abuse

Initially hired in July 2024 to care for the American family's youngest child, Rosales found herself overwhelmed and frustrated. Over a series of incidents, she struck the infant five times, escalating the situation until her abuse was uncovered.

Caught Red-Handed

The horrific behavior came to light when a nanny, responsible for the victim's older sibling, recorded incriminating videos of Rosales striking the baby and shared them with the child's mother, who was abroad at the time. The recordings prompted immediate action.

From Frustration to Fury

The prosecutor revealed that on one occasion in February, while attempting to feed the infant, Rosales became agitated when her pleas for quiet were ignored. In a fit of fury, she struck the baby's thigh, a moment that would spiral into further acts of violence.

The Breaking Point

On March 3, 2025, after another bout of crying, Rosales struck the infant once again, resulting in a noticeable 4cm by 6cm bruise. Alarmed, the nanny captured the incident on video and sent it to the child's mother, leading to an investigation.

Legal Consequences Await

Prosecutors argued for a sentence of eight to ten months, underscoring the vulnerability of the child. The judge condemned Rosales for betraying the trust placed in her by the family, noting the profound implications of her actions.

Potential for Greater Punishment

Though sentenced to nine months, Rosales faced the possibility of a much harsher penalty, including up to eight years in prison or fines of up to S$8,000 for each act of violence against the child. Ultimately, her multiple offenses were amalgamated for sentencing.

A Cautionary Tale

This case serves as a grim reminder of the responsibilities implicit in caring for children. The rights and safety of the most vulnerable must always be upheld, and those who fail in this duty must be held accountable.