Shanghai Woman Traumatized After Job Interview Turns into Sexual Harassment Nightmare
A shocking incident of sexual harassment has come to light in Shanghai, where a 26-year-old woman, known as Zhang, was allegedly molested by a 73-year-old company chairman, Zhu, during a job interview. Zhang had applied for a position as a rehabilitation therapist at a textile company, but the interview took a disturbing turn when Zhu, the chairman, allegedly removed his pants and exposed himself to her. Despite Zhang's attempts to escape, Zhu continued to make inappropriate demands and verbally harassed her.
14 February 2025
The incident has left Zhang traumatized, and she has been experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including excessive hand-washing and an inability to be alone. She washes her hands over 20 times a day and is suspected to have PTSD, although it has not been officially diagnosed. Zhang has been struggling to cope with the trauma, feeling too ashamed to return home or tell her family about the incident. She has been trying to continue her job search, but the experience has left her with anxiety and fear, making it difficult for her to proceed with interviews.
Zhang reported the incident to the police, who launched an investigation and confirmed that Zhu had indeed committed the act of molestation. As a result, Zhu was given a five-day administrative detention as punishment. However, due to his advanced age of 73, this penalty was not enforced. The lack of accountability has left Zhang feeling helpless and seeking legal action to seek justice and compensation for the harm she has suffered. She hopes to find a lawyer who can represent her in a civil lawsuit, as she is unable to afford the costs herself.
Zhang has submitted a 13-minute video recording of the incident as evidence to the authorities, which reveals the disturbing details of the assault, including the perpetrator's explicit language and actions. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and debate on social media, with many calling for stricter laws and greater protection for victims of sexual harassment. The fact that the perpetrator, a 73-year-old businessman, was not detained due to his age has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that age should not be a mitigating factor in cases of sexual assault.
As Zhang's case continues to garner attention, it highlights the need for a more robust and supportive system for victims of sexual harassment and assault in China. Zhang's bravery in speaking out against her perpetrator has also inspired others to come forward and share their own experiences of harassment and abuse. Her primary concern is to seek justice through the legal system, and she is seeking a lawyer to represent her in a lawsuit against the perpetrator. Despite the severity of her condition, Zhang is hesitant to seek professional help due to financial constraints, and her family remains unaware of the incident.
