Hong Kong Churches Urged to Implement Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies After Study Finds Complaints Mishandled

Hong Kong churches are urged to adopt robust anti-sexual harassment policies following a study revealing that numerous complaints have been mishandled or silenced. The Hong Kong Christian Council’s Gender Justice Ministry published findings from a survey of 73 churches, indicating that less than half have implemented formal guidelines.

Further investigation into the websites of 1,154 churches showed that a mere 7.3 percent publicly displayed anti-sexual harassment policies. The report, titled “It Takes a Village,” is based on interviews with 10 individuals, including victims, church staff who handled complaints, and bystanders. Researchers identified at least 69 victims of sexual harassment within churches, with incidents dating back two decades, noting that the actual number is likely much higher due to victims' silence.

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Given that victims commonly remain silent due to fear and shame, the actual number of those affected is likely far higher.

Jessica Tso, executive secretary of the Hong Kong Christian Council, stated at a press conference that three victims were as young as 13 or 15 when assaulted by individuals they had known for one to two years, pointing to a pattern of sexual grooming. Tso explained that the deep trust victims place in alleged abusers makes it difficult for them to speak up or even recognize the harassment as abuse, often excusing it as part of a close relationship.

The report also found that 100 percent of victims who did report sexual harassment to their churches were dissatisfied with the handling of their cases. Inadequacies in church responses were noted by both bystanders and those tasked with addressing complaints. The study suggests that the inherent power dynamics within churches, coupled with a cultural emphasis on harmony and unity, create an environment where victims fear damaging relationships or causing conflict, thus deterring them from coming forward.

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This is when they have your trust, then they slowly increase… from body touch to sexual harassment. Because of that trust, the victim finds it very hard to speak up, or even excuses it as [part of] a normal, close relationship.