Shocking truth behind Dubai's 'Porta Potty' parties where women are abused and degraded
For many, Dubai is seen as a luxury playground consisting of gleaming skyscrapers, designer labels and influencers snapping selfies.
However, behind the glamour lies a murky underworld, where women are lured to so-called ' Porta Potty parties '.
It comes as a young model who was feared to have fallen victim to one of these vile parties has broken her silence from her hospital bed, reports the Mirror.
Maria Kovalchuk, 20, was found dumped at the side of a road in Dubai with a broken spine and shattered limbs.
The Ukrainian influencer, now recovering in Norway, has denied that citizens of the United Arab Emirates were to blame, but instead claims she was attacked by a group of 'rich Russian kids' after a hotel party turned violent.
However, Maria's story has shed light on fears over grim ' Porta Potty parties ', where glamorous young female tourists are targeted in foul and demeaning ways.
Young women - often glamorous tourists or aspiring influencers - are allegedly invited to these parties and promised luxury yachts, cash, and 5-star hotel stays.
In reality, the truth is far more disturbing and could well land unfortunate guests in grave danger.
Held aboard a luxury yacht as well as inside hotel rooms, Porta Potty parties are allegedly orchestrated by wealthy men, and centre around acts of degrading sexual humiliation, often involving bodily fluids. Those targeted are left with physical and psychological scars.
Adult content creator Kay Manuel, from Australia's Gold Coast, previously told news.com.au: 'The promoters play it down. Saying, you'll just party, have a great time. Then get showered with gifts. In reality, you'll be expected to do unthinkable things.'
According to Kay, another Australian woman known to her was hospitalised with devastating injuries after accepting an invitation from Dubai jewellery tycoons
She continued: 'She had to get reconstructive surgery. She came back very emotionally scarred. It's not something that you can come back from and go 'oh well'. It's burned on your brain forever.'
According to Kay, young influencers struggling with debt or brand deals are prime targets. She explained: 'They prefer to target Instagram models. They're less experienced than escorts.'
Women caught up in these disturbing gatherings could also land in trouble with the law in the strict Gulf state, even if they're victims.
Harrowingly, victims also run the risk of getting into serious difficulties with the law, in a country where sex workers can face six months behind bars.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, previously warned the Mirror that women involved in Porta Potty parties - even if they haven't consented - could be looking at charges of adultery or indecency, especially if such acts were carried out in the presence of married men.
Ms Stirling said: " Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk."
If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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