Roxanne Hillier
In 2009, South African national Roxanne Hillier was jailed for seven months after it was alleged that she spent time alone with her male employer. Despite medical reports that the pair had not engaged in sexual intercourse, she was still sentenced.
"Dubai struggles to maintain its promoted reputation of being tolerant, modern, progressive and focused on happiness and positivity," says Stirling, "while it regularly victimises women for reporting crime."
"South African national Roxanne Hillier was jailed for seven months after it was alleged she spent time alone with her male employer. Despite medical reports returning that she had not engaged in sexual intercourse, she was still sentenced.
A common question we are asked as an organisation is whether a victim of crime should actually report it in Dubai. Whether it is a rape, assault, slander or less serious crime, we always explain the risks involved in reporting anything to the police. The victim can be jailed themselves or subject to retaliatory accusations that can lead to lengthy detentions or legal proceedings. One thing that rings true is that the system and its applications are volatile."
Radha Stirling, CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai - Read more at The Independent Website