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EOC publishes first territory-wide survey on sexual harassment in Hong Kong
On 12 May 2022, the EOC published a study entitled “Territory-wide Representative Survey on Sexual Harassment in Hong Kong 2021”. With over 5 000 respondents aged 18-64, the survey was the first of its kind in terms of its sample size and coverage of the general population in Hong Kong. About 17.8% and 11.8% of the respondents reported having been sexually harassed online and at work respectively over the 24 months prior to the survey.
“It is of paramount importance to gather empirical data on sexual harassment in Hong Kong, so that we can have a comprehensive picture of the issue in order to tackle it better”, said Dr Rizwan ULLAH, Convenor of the Policy, Research and Training Committee of the EOC at the press conference where the findings were unveiled.
The most common form of online sexual harassment experienced by the respondents was “receiving indecent photos or videos online” which made them feel offended (55.8%), while workplace sexual harassment often occurred in the form of sexually suggestive comments or jokes made to others but in the respondents’ presence (61.5%).
Notably, younger women, specifically those aged 18-34, were found to be more vulnerable to both workplace and online sexual harassment.
“The survey also indicates that workplace sexual harassment is a form of power-based violence, with those in temporary or short-term positions more likely to be sexually harassed at work than permanent staff,” said Dr Ferrick CHU Chung-man, Executive Director (Operations) of the EOC.
The EOC has recommended that employers of all sizes and sectors should develop a clear anti-sexual harassment policy, establish an effective complaint-handling mechanism, and provide awareness training to staff on a regular basis. Emphasis can be put on encouraging employees to intervene when appropriate, rather than remain silent bystanders.
Further, the Government is recommended to explore the feasibility of introducing a positive duty on employers to take reasonable and proportionate steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment.
To elaborate on the survey findings and highlight the importance of adopting preventive measures against sexual harassment, EOC Chairperson Ricky CHU Man-kin released articles in South China Morning Post and Inmedia respectively.
