- Principal Max Wu: Principal Max Wu mentioned in his opening speech that the topics of this seminar involve gender equality and social fairness in today’s diverse society. He encouraged participants to express their opinions actively and hoped that this discussion would bring about more positive changes for the future workplace and a more diverse society.
- Dean Yi-Hua Chen: Dean Yi-Hua Chen stated that gender equality is not only about legal fairness but also requires changes in cultural atmosphere, physical and mental health, and overall social transformation. She mentioned that insufficient financial resources are a common problem in both sexual assault prevention and gender equality. She expressed optimism about this discussion because it helps focus on important issues and provides new perspectives for addressing gender equality problems.
- Director Po-Chang Lee: Director Po-Chang Lee pointed out that this topic is complex and multi-dimensional, extending beyond legal issues. He mentioned that the participants in the panel discussion include experts from various fields, such as counseling psychologists, lawyers, judges, social workers, and more. He discussed issues related to sexual harassment and called for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that victims receive appropriate support and resources.
- Chief Yi Liu: Chief Yi Liu mentioned the “Reduce-Repeat” program, which aims to reduce the distress of victims during the judicial process and increase their willingness to seek help. This program emphasizes cross-agency cooperation to ensure that victims receive necessary information and support without having to repeatedly recount their experiences.
- Director Liang-Yu Chen: Director Liang-Yu Chen discussed sexual harassment issues and mentioned the increasing number of reported cases among different age groups and ethnicities. She talked about the psychological harm caused by sexual harassment and the need to establish psychological health resources. She also addressed the symptoms of sexual trauma and the framework for treatment and care.
- Judge Yu-Chen Wang: Judge Yu-Chen Wang discussed the challenges that may arise when handling sexual assault cases in court, including the adversarial attitudes of victims and professionals, the unique nature of sexual assault cases, the impact of psychological disorders, evidentiary limitations, and misconceptions. She emphasized the importance of better understanding and addressing these challenges to support victims and improve the efficiency of the judicial system.
- Chairperson Ya-Ling Huang: Chairperson Ya-Ling Huang shared her years of experience working with sexual assault victims. She pointed out that while legal reforms and institutional changes have occurred in Taiwan regarding sexual assault, the improvement of the treatment system is still needed. Chairperson Huang emphasized the importance of a holistic approach for victims, including protection, release, and treatment, with a particular focus on enhancing the treatment system and providing comprehensive support to victims.
- Deputy Director Chung-Hsi Lee: Deputy Director Chung-Hsi Lee emphasized that professional dialogues should encompass protection, justice, and treatment systems. He pointed out that the effects of trauma can be long-lasting and called for the strengthening of the treatment system, integration of psychiatry and counseling psychology, and resource development. He emphasized a collaborative approach to assist victims and promote gender equality.
- Psychologist Chia-Wen Hsu: Psychologist Chia-Wen Hsu specializes in psychological trauma assessment and assisting victims in managing emotional responses. She emphasized the importance of psychological trauma assessment to provide more appropriate support and treatment. She discussed the fear of victims towards the judicial process and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Lawyer Huai-Ying Huang: Lawyer Huai-Ying Huang assists sexual assault victims and highlighted the challenges victims face in the judicial process, including insufficient evidence, psychological barriers, and a lack of sexual education. She stressed the essential role of lawyers in supporting victims and called for greater attention to these issues from society and the legal system.
- Social Worker Pei-Ju Wang: Social Worker Pei-Ju Wang shared her experience in assisting sexual assault victims, especially the challenges of initial case engagement. She mentioned obstacles in legal consultations and interviews and the contrast between reality and psychological expectations. She emphasized the importance of building trust with victims and called for greater attention and support from society in these situations.
In this seminar, we delved into the importance of supporting sexual assault victims and listened to insights from experts in various fields. This discussion not only helped us better understand the challenges of gender equality and social fairness but also provided inspiration for practical solutions. Let us transform these insights into action, continue our efforts, and ensure that sexual assault victims receive comprehensive support, ultimately leading to a fairer and safer society.