What is sexual violence? The definition is broader than you might think

Chan encourages students to voice their concerns to the “perpetrator”.

Zero tolerance for sexual assault at Hong Kong university orientations

“Making it clear to the person that their behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable is a very crucial step”, especially in contexts where their intention is ambiguous, she says.

“[That person] might not be aware that their actions are upsetting you, so expressing your feelings can prevent them from continuing the act, and clear up any misunderstandings,” she says.

Unwanted conduct of this sort may sometimes be classified as sexual violence. When we hear that term, many people assume it refers to undesired physical contact and involves extreme physical force; or that it only happens to women. In fact, it covers a wide range of behaviour – many of which do not involve any forms of body contact – and can happen to anyone.

“To put it simply, sexual violence consists of two primary elements: sexual suggestiveness, that is non-consensual,” Chan tells Young Post.

Sexual harassment or assault in any form is never acceptable. Photo: Shutterstock
Sexual suggestiveness, she explained, includes any visual materials or verbal exchange, or bodily contact, with sexual undertones or implied sexual intent.

“There are, in general, three different types of behaviour that are commonly regarded as sexual violence,” says Chan. The first type includes any form of unwanted physical contact, including massaging someone without invitation, deliberately brushing against someone, indecent assault, and rape.

“The second and third type do not involve bodily contact, but are actions without others’ consent or forced verbal communication that causes discomfort.”

Sexual harassment is never acceptable

Some of the examples she gives are voyeurism (watching other people go about their private lives), snapping a person’s picture when they’re naked, criticising someone’s body, telling dirty jokes or showing someone pornographic materials even when it is unwelcome, or forced discussion about sexual experience.

If you find yourself in such a situation, and have gone through the steps of considering your feelings, and speaking to the person involved, and they continue to behave in the same way, you might have to consider taking further action. This can include making an unofficial or official complaint.

“You could request intervention from your teacher or school to demand apologies from the [person concerned], so that they will be mindful of the consequences of their actions,” says Chan.

Don't be afraid to speak up and assert your boundaries. Photo: Shutterstock
“If needed, you could choose to file an official complaint, so that your school authorities investigate the incident – which might involve setting up an independent commission of inquiry – and decide whether disciplinary action has to be taken.”

In criminal incidents that might or might not involve physical contact, students can report to the police through their school or parents, says Chan.

For serious cases of sexual violence, such as indecent assault and rape, Chan recommends students ask as many parties as possible to intervene on their behalf to ensure the case is taken seriously.

By being aware of what sexual violence is – and is not – hopefully we can ensure healthy, happy and safe school environments for all students around Hong Kong.