When "CEO falling in love with me" turns into "Power harassment coming after me"?

In this era that values practical experience, it's as common for university students to intern at companies as it is to drink coffee every morning. In dramas, this can even develop into a romantic plot of a "CEO falling in love with me" (with built-in pink bubble filters). But reality isn't a soap opera, and some things aren't as dreamy as they seem!
What happens if an intern has a sexual relationship with their supervisor?

Don't panic, let's first ask a key question:
Is it mutual consent, or are you reluctantly agreeing?

How to Identify Power-Based Sexual Assaul

"Power-based sexual assault" refers to a situation where one party uses their power, position, or influence to sexually assault another in a specific power dynamic. This often involves relationships with unequal power, such as between a supervisor and their subordinate, a teacher and a student, or a superior and a subordinate. In the workplace, how can you determine if it's "power-based sexual assault"? Let's consider the following three scenarios:

1. Mutual Consent

If you're willing, and they’re excited, then, from a legal perspective, it's simply two adults in a consensual relationship. The situation might even resemble the plot of "CEO Falling in Love with Me" (wish you happiness?).

2. Non-consent (Forced Sexual Intercourse)

But if you say "No" and they proceed regardless (literally and legally), then sorry, this is a case of sexual assault under Article 221 of the Criminal Code：Forced Sexual Intercourse! This isn't a romance drama; it's a police thriller!

3. Surface Agreement, but Fear of Rejection

If you say "Okay, boss," but inside you’re thinking "I can’t say no or I’ll fail my internship QQ," then you might be crossing the line of Article 228：Sexual Assault Through Abuse of Power. This is called "using one’s position to force someone to comply," meaning "sexually pressured consent does not equal true consent.

 
So what about sexual harassment?

Imagine you dress up nicely for your internship, and then your supervisor starts making inappropriate comments: 

• "You're dressed so provocatively today, are you going out clubbing?"

• "You smell so good today~ Did you spray love perfume?"

• "Wow, with that outfit, my brother and I are both reacting!" (… Who gave you permission to drag your brother into this?)

Or maybe he keeps staring at you from strange angles, as if waiting for you to make a wardrobe malfunction (Is he taking fashion photos?).

These are not "supervisor humor"; they are sexual harassment! According to the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, any verbal or physical behavior that makes you feel disgusted, offended, or uncomfortable is indeed sexual harassment!

What if they still use "internship performance" as leverage?

For example, the supervisor says with a "kind" expression:
"Can you wear black stockings tomorrow? I like the way you look in them~"

You don’t want to, but you're afraid that refusing could cost you your internship, so you reluctantly go along with it…

This is a classic case of "using power to commit sexual harassment." This isn't romantic; it's oppression. You're not being invited; you're being "harassed."

So, what should you do if you encounter situations related to power-based sexual harassment/assault?

• Bravely say no: No matter who it is, you have the right to refuse.

• Leave evidence: Screenshots, recordings, and notes are shields to protect yourself in the future.

• Seek help: Contact your mentor, the gender equality office, or call the 113 hotline.

• It's not your fault: Sexual harassment is always the responsibility of the perpetrator, not caused by your attire, smile, or silence.

Lawyers Herman Lyu、Ian Yan at our law firm are certified professional investigators for workplace sexual harassment by the Ministry of Labor. Our firm also has other lawyers serving as investigators on the Gender Equality Investigation Committee for international schools. If you truly encounter the issues mentioned above, you should consult a professional lawyer.

Internships are a ticket to your career, not a script for an adult drama.

Let's work together to a respectful and safe learning and working environment!
Because— not every office romance has a happy ending, but every case of sexual harassment should have a clear ending.

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