A master's degree-holding engineer in Tainan, Taiwan, has been sentenced to 30 days of detention and ordered to pay NT$50,000 (about RM6,300) in damages after touching his girlfriend's breast without her consent.
The incident happened on July 4, 2025 reported by KwongWah, when the engineer, surnamed Lee, visited his girlfriend, identified by the pseudonym Xiaomei, at her home in Shanhua District.
According to the court ruling, Lee took advantage of a moment when Xiaomei was not paying attention and was unable to react in time. He then used his hand to touch her breast.
Although the physical contact reportedly lasted only a moment, Xiaomei felt offended and uncomfortable by what had happened. She subsequently contacted the police and provided surveillance footage from inside the residence as evidence.
She initially accused Lee of both sexual harassment and forced indecency. However, after investigating the case, prosecutors determined that the elements required for the more serious forced indecency offence were not met. Lee was therefore prosecuted under Taiwan's Sexual Harassment Prevention Act instead.
During questioning, Lee admitted to the conduct.
The case was later heard by the Tainan District Court. While the two had been in a romantic relationship at the time, the court stressed that being a couple did not mean Lee could disregard his girlfriend's bodily autonomy.
The court found that his actions constituted sexual harassment and sentenced him to 30 days of detention. The two eventually ended their relationship following the incident.
The legal consequences did not end there.
Xiaomei subsequently filed a civil claim attached to the criminal case, seeking compensation for the emotional distress caused by the incident.
The judge found that Lee had intentionally and unlawfully infringed upon Xiaomei's sexual autonomy, which is connected to her personal dignity. The court concluded that the incident had caused her considerable psychological distress and that compensation was therefore justified.
In determining the amount, the court considered Lee's circumstances, including the fact that he had no previous criminal record as well as his educational and professional background.
The court ultimately ordered him to pay NT$50,000 in damages, equivalent to approximately RM6,300.
The ruling serves as a reminder that being in a relationship does not automatically mean that physical contact is always welcome. Consent and respect for bodily autonomy still apply between romantic partners.
The case can still be appealed.
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