Fresh start for abused maid

A BATTERED maid who received overwhelming support from 7DAYS readers is now happily married and managing a shop in her home country.

The story of Filipina Marilyn Vinluan - who claimed to have been beaten with electrical chords, had her head shaved and been branded with a clothes iron by her boss - touched the hearts of UAE residents three years ago.

7DAYS readers were among those who donated money to help her recovery.

Speaking from her home in Isabela province, in the north of the Philippines, Marilyn, who is known as Nuan, said she is now getting on with her life. But she added the daily attacks she claims to have suffered at the hands of her Lebanese boss still haunt her.

Marilyn said she is now managing a small store but is thinking of moving to Taiwan to work in a factory.

“I will see what happens, it is not decided yet. We need to get some money together before we start a family,” she said.

Marilyn said that she still has many friends in Dubai from the year she spent in Philippines govern­ment accommodation, with dozens of abused and runaway maids, after fleeing from her employer.

However, she said: “I feel I cannot go back to the UAE because I might see my employer. I would always be in fear of that.”

Back in 2009, Marilyn fled the Ajman apartment where she lived with the woman and her Emirati husband and sought help from her recruitment agency.

She was taken to hospital and spent a week having treatment for bruising and cuts to her face and body.

She also had numerous whip marks and a cracked rib.

Her employer was arrested but no criminal charges were ever bought against her.

Marilyn launched a civil case against the family to claim the 18 months wages that she said she was owed, as well as compensation.

But, after receiving a payout for her wages, she dropped the case against her former employer as she wanted to return to the Philippines.

sean@7days.ae