The Nauru police force is investigating allegations an asylum seeker was assaulted and sustained serious injuries while she was outside the Australian run-detention centre.
On Saturday, the Iranian woman, who is an asylum seeker at the detention centre, was found near the main road on Nauru.
Sources on the island allege she was attacked while out on day release.
The Australian contracted service providers met to discuss the incident on Sunday, and the woman was taken into the care of International Health and Medical Services (IHMS).
The immigration department confirmed it was aware of the allegation.
“The department is aware of an incident which occurred in Nauru involving an asylum seeker from the Nauru regional processing centre,” a spokeswoman said.
“The Nauru police force is investigating. This is a matter for the government of Nauru ... the department is unable to provide any more details.”
Asylum seekers and refugees living in the community on Nauru have expressed repeated concerns about their safety on the island.
A Senate inquiry is also set to hold a public hearing on Tuesday into serious allegations of assaults, and conditions at the detention centre.
