預防和處理性騷擾

Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment

According to Section 2 of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance*, sexual harassment covers the sexual harassment of both men and women as well as persons of the same sex.

Sexual harassment may involve uninvited and unwelcome physical, visual, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature that makes the person being sexually harassed feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated, or which creates a hostile or intimidating environment.

One single incident can constitute sexual harassment. It is not necessary for there to be a series of incidents.

*Section 2(5) of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance defines sexual harassment while sections 2(7), 2(8), 9, 23, and 39 are all relevant.

Examples of Sexual Harassment Acts*

1. Repeated attempts to make a date, despite being told "NO" each time.
2. Comments with sexual innuendoes and suggestive or insulting sounds.
3. Relentless humor and jokes about sex or gender in general.
4. Sexual propositions or other pressure for sex.
5. Implied or overt threats for sex.
6. Obscene gestures or inappropriate touching (e.g. patting, touching, kissing, or pinching)
7. Persistent phone calls or letters asking for a personal sexual relationship.
8. Displaying sexually obscene or suggestive photographs or literature
9. Sexual assault or forced sexual intercourse (rape).

*Examples are taken from the Equal Opportunities Common Website.

Case Scenarios