A woman was awarded NT$1 million in a damages suit against a male colleague accused of being lascivious toward her, after she told a court his behavior had endangered her health and cost her job.
The Taiwan High Court affirmed yesterday that Chien Chi-chuan (
The court found that between September 1998 and April 1999, Chien had put the drug diazepam in drinks or food belonging to his female colleague, and then masturbated beside her while she was unconscious.
During the period, the victim said she constantly felt dizzy but attributed the symptoms to her epilepsy. It wasn't until April 1999 that the woman caught Chien in the act of putting the drug in her drink.
In the wake of the discovery, the victim said she suffered from fear and discrimination in her workplace. She was also fired by her company for making accusations against Chien, she told the court.
She also alleged the event not only cost her job but that her marriage was adversely affected as a result.
Chien was convicted on the criminal charge of infringement of personal liberty and was sentenced to two years and eight months.
The Taiwan High Court affirmed a district court ruling awarding the victim NT$1 million in damages.
Lai You-mei (
"While it is the man who offends, it's usually the woman who is asked to leave [a job]. Chauvinist employers keep protecting offenders and there is still serious gender discrimination in the workplace," Lai said.
"I think unless we hold the employers accountable for workplace sexual harassment, there is little hope they will make reforms."
The Equal Opportunity Bill, which the foundation has lobbied for since 1989, includes penalties for the employers who fail to provide a discrimination-free working environment.
Despite persistent calls by womens' groups for legalizing the measures, the bill is still pending in the legislature.
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