Sexual offences law review a chance to make clear what constitutes abuse

Hong Kong's government has launched a consultation on improving sexual offences laws due to recent increases in sexual violence, harassment, and online exploitation. Survivors' experiences have highlighted the inadequacy of current legislation. The review aims to provide a clear, concrete definition of "consent" and establish a modern legal framework for non-consensual sexual offences. This framework will reflect gender equality and contemporary understandings of sexual autonomy, recognizing that both men and women can be victims. The proposed changes intend to move away from equating a lack of resistance with consent, emphasizing instead the importance of free and voluntary agreement, particularly in situations involving fear, coercion, or power imbalances.