Protecting women’s physical rights and dignity against sexual harassment and abuse is a hot topic that draws major public attention. Recently, a sexual harassment case in Fengxian District, Shanghai, China, grabbed strong media and public focus.
A 61-year-old man took advantage of trust by inviting a 24-year-old woman to his home for dinner, then forcibly hugged and sexually harassed her. The case went beyond administrative penalties, as the victim took legal action, costing the man dearly both financially and reputationally.
A Despicable Act of Harassment
The victim, Ms. Bao, 24, and the accused, Mr. Lu, 61, were involved in this incident. Last November, Ms. Bao accepted an invitation to Mr. Lu’s home for dinner. Previously, Mr. Lu had helped her during a move. Being polite and grateful, Ms. Bao brought a thoughtful gift to express her thanks. She never imagined her kindness and trust would be exploited for a dark scheme.
Throughout the meal and conversation, Mr. Lu’s true manipulative nature emerged. He repeatedly made inappropriate, offensive remarks and pressured Ms. Bao to stay overnight. He kept pouring wine and forced her to drink. Sensing the tense atmosphere, Ms. Bao declined more alcohol and expressed her wish to leave. At that moment, Mr. Lu changed tactics, pretending to comfort her before suddenly lunging to forcibly hug her.
Even more shocking, he defiantly declared, “I’m so old now, I’m not afraid of anything anymore!”
Despite Ms. Bao’s strong resistance and refusal, Mr. Lu ignored her protests. Using his physical strength, he restrained her and repeatedly touched sensitive parts like her chest and buttocks. After a fierce struggle, Ms. Bao managed to escape, ran out of the house, and immediately called the police.
After receiving the report, authorities quickly launched an investigation. Faced with undeniable evidence, the police issued an administrative penalty and imposed a 7-day detention on Mr. Lu for sexual harassment.
Psychological Trauma and the Victim’s Lawsuit
The 7-day detention was clearly not enough to heal the deep physical and emotional wounds Ms. Bao suffered. The incident left a huge scar on this young woman’s life.
The very next day, November 22, Ms. Bao went to the hospital due to ongoing chest pain and dizziness caused by the struggle. Medical records showed preliminary diagnoses of chest and abdominal trauma.
Even more frightening than physical injuries was the mental shock. The following day, she returned for specialized follow-up care. Medical reports confirmed she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Terrified and overwhelmed, she sought help from a professional counseling center, where doctors diagnosed her with acute stress reaction.
Refusing to stay silent or let the offender walk free after just a week in detention, Ms. Bao took stronger legal action. She filed a civil lawsuit in Fengxian District Court, demanding compensation exceeding 9,000 yuan (about 35 million VND) for the damages she endured. In court, Mr. Lu stubbornly denied wrongdoing and shamelessly claimed Ms. Bao “consented” and was fabricating the story to frame and extort him.
Court Verdict
At the trial, the judges completely rejected Mr. Lu’s baseless claims. The court ruled, based on solid evidence including police administrative decisions, consistent victim testimony, and comprehensive medical and psychological records, that the defendant’s misconduct was proven.
Mr. Lu’s forced hugging and groping after being refused clearly constituted serious sexual harassment, violating the victim’s bodily rights and health protected by law. The court dismissed his defense for lack of any supporting proof.
Fengxian District Court officially approved most of Ms. Bao’s reasonable compensation claims. The approved economic losses included:
Medical treatment for injuries: 923.77 yuan.
Psychological treatment and counseling: 3,500 yuan.
Compensation for emotional distress: 5,000 yuan.
Additional expenses (travel, document printing): 47.5 yuan.
In total, Mr. Lu was ordered to pay Ms. Bao 9,471.27 yuan in damages.
A Stark Warning
This case serves as a costly lesson and a sharp warning to anyone who disrespects women or the law. Mr. Lu’s statement, “I’m so old now, I’m not afraid of anything anymore,” reflects a twisted mindset, thinking age can shield him from moral and legal consequences. The Shanghai court’s verdict proves the opposite: under the law, all citizens are equal, and anyone violating another’s bodily rights must face justice, regardless of age.
Though the compensation amount isn’t huge financially, it carries a powerful deterrent message. It affirms that sexual harassment is condemned not only morally or by short administrative punishments but also through civil liability requiring offenders to pay for the emotional wounds they inflict. This is an important step toward building a civilized, safe society that respects women.
From Sohu
