The legal framework
The Crimes Ordinance sets 16 as the age of consent. Provisions that set a higher age or created separate offences for homosexual conduct were struck down as unconstitutional in a line of cases beginning in 2005, and the Law Reform Commission has recommended a comprehensive modernisation of the sexual offences law.
Key points
| Age of consent | 16, applying equally regardless of sexual orientation |
|---|---|
| Consent | Absence of consent is central; case law addresses intoxication and incapacity |
| Marital rape | Criminal |
| Voyeurism and image offences | Criminalised by the Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, including intimate image abuse |
| Position of trust | Separate offences for those in care or authority |
| Reform | Law Reform Commission has recommended a consolidated sexual offences statute |
| Crimes Ordinance | Contains the main sexual offences; reform proposals have been pending for years |
| One-stop service | The RainLily centre provides integrated medical, police and counselling support |
| Court protections | Screens and video links are available for vulnerable witnesses |
In practice
- Report to the police at any station; you do not have to decide immediately whether to pursue a prosecution.
- A forensic medical examination can usually be carried out and stored before any decision to report.
- Specialist support services can attend with you and explain each step.
- Ask for written confirmation of any examination and of the report reference.
- Contact RainLily before reporting; they run a 24-hour crisis line and can attend with you.
- Ask about the one-stop service to avoid repeating your account to several agencies.
Recent changes
The 2021 amendment created offences of voyeurism, non-consensual photography of intimate parts and publication of intimate images — gaps that had been repeatedly criticised.
Where to go
- RainLily — 24-hour crisis line 2375 5322, the main sexual violence crisis centre.
- Social Welfare Department hotline 2343 2255.
- Hospital Authority accident and emergency departments for forensic examination.
Worth knowing
RainLily provides a one-stop service including medical, forensic and legal support, and can arrange forensic examination without an immediate police report. The one-stop crisis service allows the medical examination, police statement and counselling to happen in one place, which substantially reduces the burden.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal