Santiago, Chile – A tourist from Maringá, southern Brazil, bravely fought off a fake delivery driver who invaded her flat, held her at gunpoint, and threatened to rape her. Maressa Nunes, 31, was on vacation in Santiago with a friend when they decided to order takeout. The incident occurred when they opened the door to a man they believed was their delivery driver on June 24.
The assailant forcibly entered their holiday flat, overpowered them, and held them captive at gunpoint. Nunes reported that the attacker even video called two other men, allegedly to “gang rape” them, although their intentions remain unclear. When the women resisted, fearing sexual assault, they were violently beaten and robbed of their valuables like watches, jewelry, and phones.
The attackers fled when the real food delivery driver arrived and building staff suspected trouble. The assault finally ended when neighbors heard the victims’ cries for help and alerted the police. Nunes sustained severe injuries from the attack, including fractures in her eye sockets, jaw, and nose, as well as extensive bruising.
Nunes was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while her friend suffered minor injuries and was able to return to Brazil. Due to the severity of her injuries, Nunes cannot fly back home to Maringá and will require reconstructive facial surgery. Her family is crowdfunding for her treatment and safe return to Brazil.
In response to the incident, Brazil’s Minister of Women, Cida Gonçalves, condemned the violence against women and expressed solidarity with Nunes and her friend. The Brazilian government is coordinating with the Brazilian Consulate General in Santiago to facilitate their return home. The police are actively investigating the brutal attack, though no suspects have been apprehended yet.