Two-fifths of Hong Kong women have experienced sexual violence, quarter report domestic abuse in worsening trend, survey finds
- Women’s group member says coronavirus pandemic is partly to blame for rise in incidents as households face restrictions and tough times
- Only three out of five interviewed in study report seeking help, mostly through family and friends
Nearly two out of five Hong Kong women have experienced sexual violence, and more than one in four have suffered from domestic abuse, according to a new survey which highlights a worsening trend with the Covid-19 pandemic partly to blame.
The study was conducted by the Hong Kong Women’s Coalition on Equal Opportunities, which interviewed 1,044 random respondents between May and December last year through an online questionnaire.
Sponsored by Zonta Club of Kowloon and a research grant from Lingnan University, the results were released on Monday ahead of International Women’s Day.
According to the survey, 37.5 per cent of women, aged 15 to 64, had experienced sexual violence, including forms of harassment such as discussing sexual topics that caused discomfort, non-penetrative sexual assault and unwanted sexual attention.
“The survey shows that the situation of violence on women has not improved over the years,” said Lingnan University Professor Annie Chan Hau-nung, who led the study, comparing the results with a survey conducted in 2013.
