The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today (7 April 2006) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, Cap 480 in the District Court on behalf of a woman who was sexually harassed by her colleague through indecent telephone calls.

The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case to highlight that sexual harassment in the workplace is prevalent in Hong Kong. In this particular case, the unlawful acts in question involved the making of nuisance telephone calls that asked the victim about her sex life and indecent questions. The case helps raise public awareness that making unwelcome verbal conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace may constitute sexual harassment.