OCCBGA
Policies & Guidelines
Paper on the Issue of Sexual Harassment
- Paper on the Issue of Sexual Harassment
- Information about Sexual Harassment from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)
- Related Policies and Regulations of the University
- Related links
Information about Sexual Harassment from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)
What is Sexual Harassment?
- Sexual harassment is any unwelcome or uninvited sexual behaviour that is generally regarded as offensive, humiliating or intimidating. There are two forms of sexual harassment:
- Any unwelcome sexual behaviour or conduct which is offensive, humiliating or intimidating; or
- An environment where there are actions, languages or pictures that are of a sexual nature that makes it hard for the victim. This is called “a sexually hostile or intimidating environment”.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
- Unwelcome physical contact or actions (for example, deliberately rubbing up against someone’s body, kissing, hugging, etc.)
- Make wretched poses
- Make unwelcome sexual demands
- Make sex-related obscene jokes and comment on other people’s figures
- Constantly questioning or insinuating other people’s sex lives
- Circulate sexually explicit materials (for example, email, instant message on a mobile app, etc.)
Examples of a Hostile or Intimidating Environment
- Make sexual jokes
- Access pornographic websites at work
- Use indecent photos as the desktop background
- Display or put up sexually suggestive or explicit photographs, posters or calendar
Sexual Harassment in Employment and Educational Establishment
- Employment
For example, colleagues (including volunteers and interns) in the same office or a common workplace, applicants, contractual workers, etc. - Education
Between staff and students, among students, etc.
What can you do if you are sexually harassed?
- Speak up and say “no” at the time to tell the harasser that his/her act is unwelcome and should be stopped immediately.
- Keep a written record of the incidents, including the dates, time, location, witnesses and nature (what the harasser has said or done) and your response.
- Get emotional support and advice from the people you trust.
- Seek help from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or a related organisation.
- Report the incident to your supervisor if it happened at your workplace.
- Lodge a written complaint with the EOC.
- Consult a lawyer or institute legal proceedings at the District Court.
(Source: Equal Opportunities Commission. Available at https://www.eoc.org.hk/compass/en/)
Related Policies and Regulations
- Authorities & Guidelines for the Administration of Disciplinary Actions
- Staff Handbook (Staff Intranet)
- Regulations Governing Discipline of Students
Related Links
- LU Equal Opportunities Committee - Sexual Harassment
- Equal Opportunities Commission
- Sex Discrimination Ordinance