Police in Hanoi have detained a domestic caregiver accused of repeatedly assaulting an eighty two year old woman she was hired to look after. Investigators say the suspect had previously received a suspended jail sentence for theft while working as a housekeeper.
The suspect, Truong Thi Bac, aged forty seven and originally from Thanh Hoa Province, has been formally charged and placed in temporary detention for abusing another person.
Background and prior conviction
According to police, Bac left school early due to family hardship and later divorced, leaving her child in the care of relatives while she sought work in Hanoi. In twenty seventeen, while employed as a housekeeper, she was convicted of theft and received a six month suspended sentence with a probation period.
The caregiving job
In mid November twenty twenty five, Bac was hired to care for an elderly woman who had suffered a stroke and was undergoing hospital treatment. After the patient was discharged, Bac continued full time care at the family home in the Hai Ba Trung area.
Her duties included bathing, cooking, feeding, personal hygiene, and general care. The agreed salary was eleven million dong per month, with a thirteenth month bonus, ten days off for Lunar New Year, and a monthly breakfast allowance.
Allegations of abuse
During questioning, Bac claimed there were no personal disputes with the family. She admitted to shouting at and striking the elderly woman when the patient did not cooperate, including when she refused food.
Police allege that on January six, eight, and nine, Bac slapped the victim’s face and forehead, squeezed her neck, twisted her head, and dragged her across the floor.
How the case was uncovered
The abuse came to light on January ten when the victim’s daughter noticed her mother was weaker than usual, with swelling on the forehead and bruising around the eyes. Bac told the family the injuries were caused by a fall.
Suspecting otherwise, the family reviewed home security footage. The recordings showed repeated acts of violence during routine care tasks such as changing clothes, feeding, and diaper changes.
The family reported the case to police, who brought the victim for a forensic injury assessment and began formal proceedings.
Legal status
At the investigation office, Bac expressed remorse and asked for leniency. Authorities say the case remains under investigation as evidence is consolidated.
For international readers, the incident highlights growing concern around elder care in rapidly urbanizing cities, where families increasingly rely on in home caregivers. It also underscores the role of home surveillance in exposing abuse that might otherwise remain hidden.
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Source: Vietnam Insider