( CNN ) -- Disturbing and graphic images have emerged on Facebook that appear to show a Filipino maid with burns all over her back , arms and legs after her Saudi boss 's mother allegedly poured boiling water on her . The 23-year-old woman , Pahima Alagai Palacasi , was at the home of her employer 's mother on May 4 when `` her sponsor 's mother poured boiled water over Palacasi due to a simple misunderstanding , '' according to a Philippines Labor Ministry statement posted Tuesday . While at hospital , Palacasi was able to reach a relative who lives in Riyadh who helped her sneak out of hospital . The cousin then posted graphic photos of Palacasi 's wounds on Facebook , showing bright pink and white scalded skin all over her back , the backs of her arms , and parts of her leg , according to the ministry statement . The Philippines government said it would help Palacasi file a case against her employer and has suspended the work of the Saudi recruitment agency that hired her . The English-language Saudi daily Arab News reported Wednesday that Riyadh police were conducting a joint investigation of the case . Palacasi alleges that her employer began physically abusing her within days of her arrival , kicking and lashing her after she complained of being homesick . She also claimed her employers deprived her of food . `` [ My employer 's mother ] asked me to throw away all the leftover food but I did n't do it so that when I got hungry I could have something to eat , '' Palacasi said in a cellphone video reportedly taken by her cousin and released to ABS-CBN , a CNN affiliate in the Philippines . CNN can not independently verify the authenticity of the video . `` Please help me , '' Palacasi says in the video . `` Help me file a case against my employer . I suffered a lot . '' Palacsi is currently at an embassy shelter in Riyadh . `` She is stable , in high spirits , and is relating well with fellow [ Filipino workers ] '' according to the government statement . CNN has been unable to reach Palacasi or her cousin . Saudi authorities told CNN they were unaware of details of the case , but would look into the matter . Saudi Arabia pledges to protect foreign workers , as Indonesian maids face execution . Saudi minister responds to damning human rights report .
Graphic ##s appeared on Facebook showing a Filipino maid with burns . The maid claims her Saudi boss 's mother poured boiling water on her . She says it was down to a simple misunderstanding . The photos caused controversy on social media .