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In February 2009, a court in Suzhou, Mainland China, delivered a verdict on a high-profile criminal case that exposed significant gaps in the legal protection of male victims of sexual violence. The defendant, surnamed Du, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for theft, despite clear evidence of drugging and sexual assault.
The case began in June 2008 when Du fabricated an identity as a "TV Program Director" to contact the victim, a prominent university male model and CCTV competition finalist. Under the guise of a lucrative commercial contract, Du lured the victim to a hotel, where he administered a sedative via a drink. While the victim was unconscious—facing near-fatal respiratory distress—Du committed sexual assault and stole his mobile phones and cash.
The court's decision to convict solely on theft charges was a direct result of statutory limitations at the time. Under the prevailing criminal code in 2009, legal definitions for sexual assault did not extend to adult male victims, leaving prosecutors with no specific legal mechanism to penalize the assault itself. The judge noted that while the defendant's actions were egregious, the court could only apply the maximum possible weight within the sentencing guidelines for theft.
Investigations revealed that Du was a serial offender who had previously targeted at least three other men who remained silent due to social stigma. Legal scholars suggest that this case played a pivotal role in the eventual evolution of legislation in Mainland China, leading to broader legal protections for the LGBTQ community and all victims of sexual violence regardless of gender.
Asian Editorial Department: Lu Junxiu