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The COVID-19 global pandemic has made many social issues more apparent, one of which is sexual violence. In Hong Kong, numerous crisis centers reported a spike in the number of cases relating to sexual violence and assault. Sexual violence crisis center RainLily, in particular, received 200 hotline calls in March, a 30% increase. Police statistics show 146 cases of indecent assault and rape reported in the first three months of 2020, and 107 suspects arrested.
UN Women, a global champion for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, came out in April 2020 to warn of a growing shadow pandemic of violence against women during the current COVID-19 outbreak, with estimated numbers likely to increase beyond the 243 million recorded in the past 12 months globally.
While the social distancing, quarantine, and restrictions are all designed to prevent further spread of the virus with our physical health in mind, it is taking a huge toll on our social and mental health. The breakdown of social circles, support systems, and the lack of in-person engagement are creating more stress amongst families who stay home more often, especially for caregivers. These give roots to potential violence and abuse. Victims are often reluctant to speak up because of fear and the stigma it may carry. This creates a vicious cycle.
The #MeToo movement has bought upon change against sexual assaults globally, with landmark legal cases being hammered and perpetrators jailed. As more people continue to share their stories, the wider movement will bring upon new change. To continue to break this cycle, we must put it upon ourselves to speak up and report, reach out for support in trusted systems and help centers, such as RainLily, consult with trusted friends that can be your pillar of strength.
The feelings of being lost, despair, anger, and disempowerment when sexual violence happens to you or your close ones are all very real and cannot be discounted. Yet the strength and power to rebuild your self-confidence, self-worth, and value are also real and live inside every one of us. The actions of each person can be the straw that further break the camel’s back.
At BPW Hong Kong, we are deeply concerned with the rising case of sexual violence against women and girls. Our organization and donors have been supporting RainLily, Hong Kong’s first sexual violence crisis center, to provide victims of sexual violence 24-hour professional crisis intervention online during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing the needed digital equipment and surgical masks.
We invite you to join BPW Hong Kong’s next online conversation with RainLily’s Centre-In-Charge, Tiffany Ng – Know Your Rights, What To Do If You are Sexually Harassed – on Tuesday, 30th June at 1pm.
Registration link: https://www.gobuddy.asia/event?et=bjtLAbDPJm6Prvag
方栩怡 Lisa Fong
香港商務及專業婦女協會主席
President of The Hong Kong Association of Business and Professional Women (BPWHK)