OFW abused in Kuwait returns home with scars and a painful story

The overseas Filipina worker (OFW) who was abused by her female employer in Kuwait might have escaped her nightmare for good, but the burn marks and scars on her body are a permanent reminder of her ordeal.

In a report aired Tuesday on "24 Oras," Fatima (not her real name) recounted how she got the burns on her back from her employer.

"Kumukuha po siya ng mainit na tubig para ibuhos sa likod ko para magising ako," she said.

In an earlier report, Fatima claimed her employer also hit her head against the wall several times.

The 25-year-old domestic helper was only able to ask for help when she was brought by her employer back to the Kuwait office of the recruitment agency who had placed her. The agency helped Fatima get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait after its employees saw the wounds on her body.

Fatima's employer was immediately caught and imprisoned after the Filipina filed a case against her. In a subsequent trial, a Kuwaiti court ordered Fatima's boss to pay her P2 million in damages for the "grave abuse" she suffered.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Carmelita Dizon said her agency has already put Fatima's employer on the OWWA blacklist to prevent her from employing another Filipino again.

"We've also given Fatima a scholarship. But aside from that, we'll also conduct psychosocial counseling for her tomorrow," Dizon said.

Although Fatima is determined to turn over a new leaf with the money she has been given, she said she is willing to work abroad again given the opportunity to help her family. — Xianne Arcangel/BM, GMA News