主持人:Lok Man Leung - Programme Manager at the Hong Kong AIDS Foundation
Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
In Hong Kong, the issue of sexual violence is frequently overlooked and inadequately discussed. A 2021 local survey revealed that 1-in-3 women has experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. This indifference to the alarming prevalence of sexual violence fosters an environment where victim-survivors struggle to find the support they desperately need. Many encounter a culture of disbelief, stigma, and victim-blaming, which causes further trauma. As a result, individuals often hesitate to report incidents, fearing they will not be taken seriously or doubting that justice can be achieved through the legal system. It often took immense courage for sexual violence victim-survivors to come forward and disclose their experiences. Many stood up not only for themselves, but also to ensure that others do not have to suffer the same fate. Yet, time and again, our criminal justice system fails these courageous women, leaving them feeling betrayed and unheard in their quest for justice.
Many of Hong Kong’s sexual offences are based on legislation from the 1970s, which in turn was based on even earlier English laws. The definition of rape, for example, remains narrowly defined as non-consensual penile-vaginal penetration, reflecting outdated understandings of sexual violence. Even the English sexual offences have seen a major overhaul in the early 2000s. Hong Kong’s ancient legal framework fails to adequately protect victim-survivors and creates significant barriers to justice. The latest 5-year review of service data from RainLily, reveals a staggering statistic: in the sexual violence crisis centre’s known result, for every 100 cases reported to the police, only 6 have seen the accused convicted in the first trial. These numbers starkly illustrate the inadequacy of our legal system in delivering justice for victim-survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
A particularly outdated and problematic aspect of Hong Kong’s sexual offenses is the defence of “genuine but mistaken belief,” which absurdly permits the perpetrator's subjective belief to override the victim's consent, even when that belief is clearly unreasonable. This led to victim-blaming and abusive questioning in the courtroom which reinforces harmful stereotypes about sexual violence. The lack of resistance, victim’s clothing and behaviour, relationship context etc are often intentionally misinterpreted by the defence counsel as sending a “mixed signal” to the accused which led to so-called “misunderstanding”. The persistence of the use of rape myths as grounds for acquittal is both frustrating and profoundly unjust.
The experiences of victim-survivors highlight the urgent need for a clearer understanding of consent within the legal framework, as recommended by the Law Reform Commission in 2019. In the past and within the current context of Hong Kong’s courts, the concept of consent has often been seen as a door that is always open. It was the victim’s responsibility to demonstrated they had said ‘no’ vigorously to prevent sexual assault from happening. This outdated and harmful perspective places the burden on the victim and perpetuates a culture where sexual violence can thrive. Far too often, victims are asked to explain why they were victimized, while the perpetrators escape accountability for their actions, as if it were a matter of course. This must change. Instead of placing the burden on victims to justify their experiences, we must hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Shame must change side.
In today’s evolving cultural context, there is a growing recognition that consent is not a passive state but an active and ongoing process. We are shifting to an understanding of consent as a door that is always closed. It is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to “knock” and obtain clear and affirmative consent before proceeding. This means actively seeking a clear and enthusiastic “yes” and ensuring that consent is freely and voluntarily given.
Since the Law Reform Commission conducted its consultation on ‘rape and other non-consensual sexual offences’ 13 years ago, many places have moved further to advance protection for victims in the goal of encouraging reporting and reducing the traumatisation and rape myths that swim through the criminal justice system. In Australia, multiple jurisdictions have implemented that any belief in consent will not be reasonable if the accused did not say or do anything to ascertain consent. This shift in focus from the victim’s actions or inactions to the defendant’s behaviour is crucial in ensuring that consent cannot be assumed.
主持人:Lok Man Leung - Programme Manager at the Hong Kong AIDS Foundation
In Hong Kong, the situation with AIDS shows progress but also ongoing challenges. As of 2023, the Department of Health reported around 10,000 individuals living with HIV. While new infections are decreasing, the prevalence remains higher in high-risk groups, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), who have the highest rates of HIV.
In discussing notable trends in AIDS in Hong Kong, it's crucial to recognize the challenges and progress within the community.
First of all, Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to face the highest HIV prevalence in Hong Kong, underscoring the urgent need for intensified prevention efforts and targeted education for this group.
Secondly, the decline in annual new HIV infections is an encouraging development, credited to public health campaigns that have facilitated increased testing and treatment access. Timely detection and intervention continue to be cornerstones in our fight against HIV.
Lastly, efforts to promote HIV testing and raise awareness have yielded positive outcomes, particularly among high-risk groups, fostering a culture of proactive health management through regular screenings for early diagnosis and treatment.
I would like to offer our insights on strategies for preventing HIV/AIDS transmission. This requires a comprehensive approach that involves education as a key component in increasing awareness. It's surprising that sexual education isn't mandatory in secondary schools. We need comprehensive sexual education and public health campaigns to inform the community about HIV transmission, prevention methods, and regular testing. These steps are crucial in reducing new infections.
Moreover, safe sex practices are key. Advocating for condom use and other barrier methods during sexual activities is vital. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is another important tool. By enhancing accessibility and awareness of PrEP for HIV-negative individuals, the risk of infection can be significantly lowered.
Last but not least, regular testing is critical. It's essential for early detection and treatment, particularly for high-risk individuals who should be encouraged to test regularly. By promoting routine testing, we can ensure timely interventions and better manage the spread of the epidemic.
Now, I want to share information on the symptoms of AIDS. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, leading to a compromised immune system. Symptoms can include weight loss, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, sores, pneumonia, skin blotches, and neurological issues. Testing is the only definitive way to determine HIV status.
In our work at the Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, particularly within the MSM team, we are committed to enhancing sexual health knowledge and the importance of safe sex practices. We focus heavily on raising awareness about the necessity of regular HIV and STD testing and actively promote the use of PrEP among at-risk groups. These groups include not only MSM but also female sex workers and their clients, as well as individuals who are sexually active with multiple partners.
One of our major challenges is overcoming the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, which can significantly hinder community outreach and education efforts. Additionally, logistical challenges such as funding limitations and resource allocation also pose significant barriers to expanding our reach and effectiveness in these crucial areas.
To further combat the spread of HIV and enhance public health safety, we urge the government to provide more robust support to NGOs like ours. This includes not only funding support but also efforts to enhance overall sexual health education across various community sectors. Raising public awareness about safe sex and the importance of regular testing is critical.
Furthermore, we recommend that the government sponsor or subsidize PrEP for all at-risk groups. This proactive approach in preventative health could significantly reduce new HIV infections and better protect our communities. Implementing these measures with strong governmental backing and public engagement can make a substantial difference in the fight against AIDS.
Lastly, I would like to dedicate a song "These Are the Days of Our Lives" by Queen.
01/12/2024 - Lok Man Leung, Program Manager from Hong Kong Aids Foundation