Hong Kong schools lack awareness of anti-sexual harassment: survey

Hong Kong schools are starving for the formulation and implementation of an anti-sexual harassment policy in the wake of the low level of awareness of the education sector on the subject, according to a survey conducted by an independent statutory body in the city.

Nearly half of the respondents have not adopted a policy statement on sexual harassment, according to the findings released by Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on April 25.

A total of 321 completed questionnaires received from primary and secondary schools as well as local tertiary institutions.

The most common reason cited for not having a policy statement is that the staff lacks training to formulate such a statement and believes that there is no urgency for such an action. Of the schools without a policy statement on sexual harassment, less than one-third said they intended to articulate such a statement in 2013.

The survey revealed that for many schools who have adopted a policy statement on sexual harassment, the statement is neither in-depth nor comprehensive. While the majority of the policy statements include "a clear statement that sexual harassment will not be tolerated" and "the options available for dealing with sexual harassment complaints formally", far fewer offer anti-sexual discrimination training to staff or students.

Other limitations in the implementation of the policy statement include communication of the policy and relevant training. For instance, only 14% of respondents periodically publish the policy in school newspapers and new students' orientation sessions.

"Sexual harassment can have long-lasting negative consequences on the victim's health as well as institutional morale and image," said John Tse, Convener of the EOC's Policy and Research Committee.

He said that the survey shows that this remains a critical issue in schools, which is compounded by the absence of clearly articulated policies and practices to prevent and address such unlawful acts.

In March 2013, the EOC released the findings of another survey that nearly half of the students surveyed had experienced various forms of sexual harassment such as sexual jokes, sexual propositions, indecent gestures, inappropriate touching and being shown pornography over the past year.

Tse pointed out that both surveys highlight the importance of having a comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy in encouraging students and staff to report such cases and seek necessary support. "Such a policy, alongside concrete implementation measures, would demonstrate that the school and its management take their duty to tackle this matter seriously," he said.

The survey proposed recommendations for schools' action, including urging all the schools to formulate and implement an anti-sexual harassment policy and providing sufficient information on anti-sexual harassment to all the staff and students at a regular interval.

To facilitate schools to adopt an anti-sexual harassment policy, Tse said the EOC is planning to conduct training on formulating such a policy for school principals and teachers in the second half of 2013.

Content of policy statement on sexual harassment adopted by schools/ tertiary institutions in Hong Kong

A clear statement that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

The options available for dealing with sexual harassment complaints formally.

A message that management is committed to eliminating and preventing sexual harassment.

Information about the organization's internal complaint procedures, assuring employees that confidentiality will be observed.

The legal definition of sexual harassment.

The policy on sexual harassment is disseminated to all staff.

A behavioral definition of sexual harassment, i.e. some examples of conduct which could amount to sexual harassment.

An assurance that no one will be victimized or penalized for coming forward with a complaint.

A note that the complainant may lodge a complaint directly with the EOC or take action in the District Court.

A note about disciplinary action.

The options available for dealing with sexual harassment complaints informally.

Offer anti-sexual discrimination training to students.

The names and telephone numbers of officers who are responsible for dealing with complaints, providing information and advice, etc.

Offer anti-sexual discrimination training to staff.

The policy on sexual harassment is posted on bulletin boards.

The policy on sexual harassment is published periodically in school newspapers and new students' orientation sessions.

Incorporate anti-sexual harassment policy into management and operation guideline or have uploaded it to the intranet or Teacher's Handbook.