Inside Dubai Porta Potty parties - exactly what happens at degrading sexual abuse raves
For many, Dubai conjures up images of stylish influencers taking endless photographs against a glittering skyline. But there are those who warn of a darker underbelly to this decadent city, where women are lured to so-called 'Porta Potty parties'.
This comes as Maria Kovalchuk, who was initially believed to be a victim of these disturbing gatherings, has opened up about her ordeal after she was discovered on a roadside in Dubai, with a broken spine and limbs.
The 20-year-old Ukrainian model, who is now recovering in Norway, has denied that United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens were behind her horror injuries, instead pointing the finger at "rich Russian kids" she claims abused her after a hotel party.
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.
Those invited to such parties may well expect an evening of opulence, tempted by promises of lavish gifts, high-end hotel stays, and wads of cash. 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.'
As highlighted by Kay, who took a trip to Dubai earlier this year, aspiring influencers with debts and relatively few brand deals are more vulnerable. She explained: 'They prefer to target Instagram models. They're less experienced than escorts.'
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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