A British man has been arrested on suspicion of raping his son’s friend in her hotel room in Mallorca. The unnamed tourist was detained by Spanish police at Palma Airport and is suspected of trying to flee the island hours after the alleged rape.
According to reports, the woman, who is also British, told officers she was raped after falling asleep in her friend’s bedroom, which had a connecting door with the father’s room. The son was out partying in the middle of the night, with the father accused of coming through in the middle of the night to attack her.
The woman, 20, ran out from the hotel and told officers at a police station close by the Punta Ballena area in Magaluf, local outlets reported.
The suspect, 45, was arrested at his flight boarding gate. He had reportedly ended his holiday early, rescheduling his return to the UK several days before he had meant to leave.
The man has not yet been charged with any crime. That is normal in Spain, where formal charges are made before a trial. It comes about two months after a British teenager was raped in Barcelona after being struck on the head with a stone near a nightclub.
She was rushed to hospital after being found on the street near the club, called Input, in a state of shock. She had wounds to her head and knees. Input is one of Barcelona’s most popular techno nightclubs, with famous DJs performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
This kind of incident is not new, especially in Spain’s tourist destinations. Cases of sexual assault on tourists in Spain have been on the rise in recent years. According to a report by the Spanish Ministry of Equality, there were 591 cases of sexual assault on foreign tourists in Spain in 2019, up from 506 cases in 2018.
Many of these cases go unreported because of the fear of retaliation, especially when the offender is a local or someone with connections in the area. This is why it’s crucial for everyone to report such incidents to the authorities so that the culprits can be held accountable for their actions.
Tourists, especially women, are advised to be cautious when traveling alone or with friends to tourist destinations in Spain. They should stay in safe areas and avoid going out alone at night. If they are out late, they should always use a licensed taxi or public transportation.
Travelers are advised to research their destination before departing and learn about any potential risks and dangers. They should also take precautions such as keeping a copy of their passport and important documents, not carrying large amounts of cash, and avoiding wearing expensive jewelry or carrying valuable items.
In conclusion, cases of sexual assault on tourists in Spain are on the rise, and it’s crucial for everyone to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Tourists should report any incidents to the authorities, and local authorities should increase their efforts to ensure the safety of locals and tourists alike. Travelers should be aware of the potential risks and dangers in their destination and take precautions to stay safe.
