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Based on the service experience of the Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres (HKFWC), nearly 60% to 80% of help-seeking cases in the past five years have involved psychological violence. However, due to traditional norms, difficulties in collecting evidence, and insufficient public awareness, such issues are often overlooked, and survivors may not be able to recognise their situation or seek help at an early stage.

To understand public awareness of psychological violence in intimate relationships in Hong Kong, HKFWC, in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Kowloon, and supporting organization Zonta Club of Kowloon II｜九龍崇德二社, conducted the survey titled “Survey of Psychological Violence in Intimate Partner and Family Relationships (Controlling or Coercive Behaviour).” The findings show that nearly 70% of respondents had experienced at least one form of “coercive control” behaviour that may constitute psychological abuse in an intimate relationship.

In response to the issue of psychological abuse, the Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres and the Zonta Club of Kowloon propose the following short-, medium-, and long-term policy recommendations:

Short-term measures
- Promote bystander intervention strategies and strengthen public education
- Enhance publicity on available help-seeking channels

Medium-term measures
- Establish early identification and screening mechanisms
- Increase mental health support resources for NGOs
- Strengthen gender equality education in schools

Long-term measure
- Promote legal reform

Through this survey, HKFWC and the Zonta Club of Kowloon hope to help society recognise these “unseen scars,” and to foster broader discussion, policy attention, and stronger social support for addressing psychological abuse.

Press Release (in Chinese version): https://lnkd.in/g7UctUgE