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What is domestic violence?

The government definition of domestic violence and abuse is “any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening behavior, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality". The abuse can encompass but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional. 

How do ethnic minority women suffer from domestic violence?

The most important thing when it comes to domestic violence is to recognize that one is being abused. When one does not recognize this, one is unable to stand up to it. This can be an issue for many ethnic minority women who, having grown up in a male-dominated environment, if they protest against domestic violence, do not know the consequences (whether or not their children will be placed under social care, whether or not the Hong Kong government/organizations will not just send them home back to their abuser.

Hong Kong Law

• According to HK law, anyone who causes or threatens to cause grievous bodily harm shall be guilty and may go to prison

• A legal injunction will either restrain the offender from using violence against the applicant or a child living with the applicant, or exclude the offender from the home or an area, regardless of ownership of the property

• The maximum injunction order is 24 months; the order can be renewed once