At EdUHK, we are committed to fostering a campus environment where all members feel safe, respected, and valued. Sexual harassment—whether targeting individuals or creating a hostile atmosphere—undermines these principles. This page aims to deepen your understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, provide real-life examples, and dispel common myths. Click on the menu on the left to learn more.
Sexual harassment occurs where a person makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to another person; or engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to another person, in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the other person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Examples:
Sexual jokes / comments
- While playing orientation game, someone says sexual jokes, or asks sex-related questions
- Someone makes comments on body shape such as breast / chest size, buttocks or legs.
Unwelcome physical contact
- Someone behaves intimately with another person, such as touching his/her thigh, hugging around his/her waist or pressing close to him/her, without the consent.
- Someone touches the chest of a muscular man, saying “nice pecs!”, and the man feels uncomfortable.
Leering at body parts
- Someone has wandering eyes and frequently glares at another’s breast / chest or buttocks.
Sending messages/ offensive communications of a sexual nature
- Someone texts to another person and wants him/her to be sex partner.
- A student downloads some pornographic photos from the internet and forwards them to other classmates.
Unwelcome and persistent date requests
- Someone repeatedly invites another person to go out on dates, asks about the love affairs or wants to be his/her partner, regardless of the rejection.
Suggesting sexual favour in return for work / academic decision
- A student wears a suit for a presentation in class. After the presentation, the professor suggests the student to wear less clothes in order to get higher marks next time.
- A boss tells his/her colleague that the only way he/she can get a promotion is to go to bed with him/her.
Sexual harassment also includes a person, alone or together with other persons, engaging in conduct of a sexual nature which creates a hostile or intimidating environment.
Examples:
Sexually suggestive games
- Games / behaviours of sexual bullying / connotation in front of others, even though they are not playing the game (may happen in hall, orientation and other activities).
Making sexual comments or sharing obscene images in message group, group meeting, student halls, classrooms or offices, etc.
- Someone sends pornographic images in a WhatsApp group.
- In a group gathering, 2 of the members make sexual jokes, causing other members in the group feel uncomfortable.
- Someone talks about sex-related topics in canteen. Other staff and students in the canteen hear the conversation and feel uncomfortable.
Displaying or distributing offensive or pornographic materials such as posters, pinups, cartoons, graffiti or calendars
- Someone watches pornographic videos in the presence of others or posts obscene pictures in the room which will be visited by others.
- Physical Conduct
- Verbal Conduct
- Non-Verbal Conduct
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment
- Online and Cyber Harassment
Many misconceptions about sexual harassment exist, which can contribute to misunderstanding, inaction, or victim-blaming. Below are some common myths and the facts that debunk them:
Myth 1: Sexual Harassment Must Be Intentional
- Fact: Sexual harassment is determined by its impact, not intent. Even if the person did not mean to offend or harm, their actions can still be considered harassment if they create an uncomfortable or hostile environment.
Myth 2: Only Women Experience Sexual Harassment
- Fact: While women are more commonly affected, anyone, regardless of gender, can be a victim of sexual harassment, including men and non-binary individuals. Harassment can also occur in same-gender interactions.
Myth 3: If Someone Doesn’t Say “No,” It Means They Are Okay with It
- Fact: Silence or lack of resistance does not mean consent. Many victims may feel intimidated, shocked, or powerless to respond immediately. The absence of a clear “no” does not justify inappropriate behavior.
Myth 4: Compliments and Flirting Are the Same as Harassment
- Fact: Harassment is unwelcome and creates discomfort, whereas compliments or flirting are typically mutual and respectful. If someone expresses discomfort or asks for the behavior to stop, continuing the behavior can be harassment.
Myth 5: It Happens Outside of Work or School, It’s Not Harassment
- Fact: Sexual harassment can happen anywhere—in workplaces, universities, public spaces, and even online. Cyber harassment, inappropriate messages, or unwelcome advances outside formal settings can still be serious violations.
Myth 6: Reporting Harassment Will Ruin the Victim’s Reputation
- Fact: No one should fear retaliation for speaking out. The University has confidential reporting mechanisms and policies to protect victims and witnesses from retaliation. Addressing harassment is crucial for creating a safer community.