Abused maid in fight for justice

qatarprovision
By qatarprovision

A BATTERED woman is still in the UAE battling for justice a year after the shocking details of her ordeal were first exposed.

Marialyn Vinluan, known as Nuan, suffered horrific injuries and has been left with permanent scars, which she claims are the result of months of beatings at the hands of her former employer in Ajman.

The woman, though, has denied attacking Nuan. Ajman authorities launched an investigation into the case but no charges have been brought against the

Lebanese boss, who is accused of whipping Nuan with an electrical chord and attacking her with a hot iron. Despite the criminal case being dropped, 26-year-old Nuan told 7DAYS that she is determined to keep fighting, and is to stay in the UAE while a civil case is heard.

She fled her employer’s home last August and has been staying at the Philippines Overseas Labour Office in Dubai
since. The scars on her arms and feet are still clearly visible and she wears bandages around her ankles to ease the pain.

Benito Valeriano, Philippines’ Consul General, said despite Nuan’s clearly visible wounds, criminal charges were never brought and the consulate has not been told why.

But, Sharjah Immigration, which issued Nuan’s visa, has now taken up her cause. The office filed a civil case, seeking both payment of her unpaid salary and compensation for the pain she has suffered.

Initially her former boss had refused to pay her wages as Nuan had absconded but last week she finally handed over dhs11,800 for 19 months’ work. However, no compensation has been paid.

Nuan said: “I do want to go home but I have to stay here because the immigration authorities want to finish the case before I go.

“But even if they told me I could I wouldn’t. In my heart I want to see justice. When I came to the UAE I wanted to support my family. We are very poor in the Philippines and are looked down upon by others. I wanted to change that.

“It depresses me (that I’ve not been able to do that).”

More than 150 runaway housemaids are currently under the care of staff at the Philippines Consulate.

About 90 per cent of them have been mistreated, either being deprived of food, overworked, and in the worst cases physically or sexually abused.

Nuan volunteers at the office, saying: “Anytime I see others crying, I share my story and try and give hope to those who are going crazy.”

http://www.7days.ae/storydetails.php?id=97668&page=localnews&title=Abused maid in fight for justice

By FathimaH• 17 Sep 2010 12:03
FathimaH

she gets justice! Its horrifying what these poor girls must endure. How demonic and frustrated must be the mind of these abusive employees the world over? What drives them? Pride?Or is it that they must get some other "kick" out of such evil? Whatever the reason its high time stricter penalties are introduced!

By bobbydarling• 17 Sep 2010 11:05
bobbydarling

I always have experienced some sort of superiority complex of my Lebanese collegues towards all others in the office.Dont know why they torment maids,co-workers and collegues.Its unfortunate that they even do not spare the kids of 4-5 years playing outside.Most inconsiderate of them.

By cherukkan• 17 Sep 2010 10:06
cherukkan

It is really disgusting injustice.

By Stone Cold• 17 Sep 2010 09:17
Stone Cold

Funny, but imagine how these guys call themselves holy by beating their maids.

By britexpat• 17 Sep 2010 09:11
britexpat

Let us hope and pray that she gets justice ..

By Josefa• 17 Sep 2010 08:07
Rating: 4/5
Josefa

Damaged has been done and the most important issue to be undertaken would be "HOW TO AVOID THEM". Please make your suggestions.

By EddyK• 17 Sep 2010 07:24
EddyK

I wonder why some people treat others like that. We are all humans and slavery died a long time ago.

By DJihad• 17 Sep 2010 05:12
DJihad

Is the government doesn't do justice, God isn't gonna be very happy with them.

God will do justice.

By rubypavino• 17 Sep 2010 04:02
Rating: 4/5
rubypavino

no offence to the lebanese nationality...they were known for maltreatment of their maids and too many cases even in their own country...i just dont get it why some of them think that maids are slave...this is inhuman behavior and racism.

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