I think there are no excuses for bodily harm, like saying "she should have known", "she should not have involved herself with...", or "she was looking for it because this and that". It's like saying "oh, well she got raped, but look at that short skirt she had on!".
That being said, the deceiving part (gifts, financial help, cell phones, calling card, posting bail, replacing "lost" & "stolen" vehicles etc)... well, men get taken, apparently, so do women. Your friend lost some money on a fantasy love affair, welcome to the club. She should learn from it, and if that was all, move on as a more experienced person.
But again, this is in no way to say she should put up with brutality and even bodily harm.
On the other hand, hotels know that many of their employees do something "on the side". Many of these poolside "workers", male and female are know to constantly have several "victims" of love patronizing them. Hotels want this to happen quite and officially would not approve, but on the other hand they know that's the only way they can keep good looking young and attractive entertainment workers working 25hrs/8days a week on minimal wage. Even all the friendly restaurant staff and room service, makes it's living on tips.
If there really was directly inflicted bodily harm, I don't know what your legal rights are, I am not a lawyer. But I would try to have a friendly yet serious chat with the hotel director. As some posted above, you will not want to threaten the hotel, but you may make it clear to them that you expect them to assist YOU and do the right thing. They don't really want victims of abuse posting on internet rating sites about their experiences and the lack of help from the hotel.
Your ease to sue, so I understand is limited for non-nationals and non-residents. However, you are, so I understand, entitled to file a report with the police and also may want to consult with your consulate for further advice and pressure.
... J-D
