American Student Speaks Out on Assault Case in Vietnam

Charges Filed Against Vietnamese Man

Authorities in Vietnam have charged a 23-year-old man with rape following allegations by an American student, Nguyen Thi Quynh Tam. Tam, 24, stated she was assaulted on July 5, during a group holiday. She claims pressure from the man’s family and initial police suggestions to settle the matter privately. Tam, unusual for Vietnam where sexual violence is rarely discussed publicly, chose to speak out to protect other women.

“I’m doing this not for just me, but for everybody else that has been harmed,” said Tam.

Her account, supported by interviews, police complaints, and communications with U.S. and Vietnamese officials, prompted legal proceedings against the accused, following confirmation by U.S. officials and a U.S. lawmaker. However, Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokesperson did not comment on the alleged pressure to settle.

Details of the Assault and Aftermath

Having moved to the U.S. at age five, Tam returned to Vietnam in May for a banking internship. On July 4, while at a resort in Phu Tho, near Hanoi, with acquaintances, she found herself locked out of her intended room. Using another bedroom with an unlocked door, Tam awoke to the accused kissing her neck. Despite her resistance, he continued, eventually pinning her arms and assaulting her.

Tam immediately informed her boyfriend in the U.S. through messages viewed by the Associated Press. Following the incident, she felt mental distress and guilt. Compounded by the man’s connections, she faced uncertainty in her next steps.

Interaction with the Accused’s Family

On July 9, Tam received two apologies from the man, via note and call, both verified by the Associated Press. Her family and friends later engaged in discussions with the accused’s father, who allegedly offered monetary compensation to prevent police involvement, despite claiming no pressure on Tam to drop the case.

Police Investigation Challenges

When reporting the case on July 21, police asked Tam to reenact the assault, causing her distress. She resisted signing statements indicating refusal of a rape kit and legal counsel, even amid police attempts to settle during her mental health treatment.

U.S. Embassy’s Response

Tam, a resident of Houston, Texas, felt unsupported by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, initially advised to report to Vietnamese police or return home. Discouragement stemmed from references to a prolonged and unresolved prior case. Following intervention by Senator Ted Cruz, the embassy extended apologies, although discrepancies exist regarding their support for Tam.

The State Department acknowledges her case but refrains from detailed commentary citing legal and privacy concerns. It emphasizes American safety and security as its priority.