Irish domestic abuse victim charged with attempted suicide in Dubai

Reports suggest Tori Towey’s passport was destroyed

Tori Towey, 28, from Boyle in County Roscommon, Ireland (Detained in Dubai)

An Irish woman who has reportedly been charged by Dubai authorities with attempting suicide is trying to stay positive, her family has said.

Tori Towey, 28, from County Roscommon, was a victim of domestic violence and has been banned from leaving the state, Irish parliamentarians were told on Tuesday.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said in the Dail chamber that Ms Towey had been charged with attempted suicide and alcohol abuse as she urged the Irish government to intervene.

Addressing the Dail, Ms McDonald said she had spoken to Ms Towey on Tuesday.

She said Ms Towey’s mother had travelled to Dubai to be with her and that she “wants to come home”.

“She has been the victim of the most gross domestic violence,” Ms McDonald said.

“Her passport has been destroyed. There was a travel ban imposed on her.”

Irish prime minister Simon Harris says he will look to support an Irish citizen in ‘the most appalling of circumstances’ (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA)

Irish premier Simon Harris has said he will look to support an Irish citizen in “the most appalling of circumstances”.

Ms Towey’s mother Caroline, who has flown to Dubai to be with her daughter, and her aunt Ann Flynn said both were trying to stay positive.

Radha Stirling, founder of the Detained in Dubai group, said the support of the Irish government had “really warmed” them and “given them hope and inspiration”.

“Right now she’s just happy to be with her mother in safety. It’s all very recent,” Ms Stirling added.

She said the case is due to be heard in court next week.

“I think when it comes to a case like this it’s all about diplomacy,” she told RTE’s Morning Ireland.

“Various members of the Irish government have contacted the UAE’s ambassador to Ireland and Ireland’s ambassador in the UAE and they’re trying to get those diplomatic talks happening.

“If that happens, that is the best and fastest way to get her home.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday it was providing “ongoing consular assistance” in the case, as was Ireland’s embassy in the United Arab Emirates.

“The Irish ambassador to the UAE is in regular contact with our citizen (including this morning). The embassy is also engaging with all the relevant authorities in UAE on the case,” the department said.

“Officials will continue to provide advice and consular assistance.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.