Survey Reveals 57% of Hong Kong Residents Experienced Technology-Facilitated Abuse
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Harmony House released survey results on November 11, 2026, revealing that 57.1% of Hong Kong residents surveyed have experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated abuse or online harassment . The survey, conducted in September and October with 205 participants, highlighted a significant gap between victims' willingness to seek help and their awareness of available support services . The organization shared real cases including AI-generated fake assault videos used to intimidate victims' families, urging stronger public education and legal protections .
Key Points
- 57.1% of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of technology-facilitated abuse, with constant calls or messages being the most common at 78.6%
- 35.0% suffered unauthorized account access, 23.9% faced online threats or humiliation, and 14.5% had their locations tracked via devices or apps
- 65.2% reported decreased sense of safety and 53.9% experienced mental health impacts including anxiety and insomnia
- While 78% would seek help if victimized, 79% did not know which organizations provide assistance, with all respondents aged 55 or above unaware of support channels
- Harmony House Women's and Refuge Centre Supervisor Chan Man-yi (陳敏兒) shared cases of abusers using AI to create fake assault videos or tracking victims through online shopping delivery addresses
Why It Matters
Technology-facilitated abuse represents an emerging form of intimate partner violence that exploits digital tools to control and intimidate victims, often leaving psychological scars as severe as physical violence . The survey's findings expose a critical gap in Hong Kong's support infrastructure, where nearly eight in ten potential victims lack knowledge of where to seek help, undermining efforts to protect vulnerable individuals . With the 55-plus demographic showing complete unawareness of support channels, targeted education campaigns and clearer pathways are urgently needed to ensure no victim falls through the cracks .
Technology-facilitated abuse represents an emerging form of intimate partner violence that exploits digital tools to control and intimidate victims, often leaving psychological scars as severe as physical violence . The survey's findings expose a critical gap in Hong Kong's support infrastructure, where nearly eight in ten potential victims lack knowledge of where to seek help, undermining efforts to protect vulnerable individuals . With the 55-plus demographic showing complete unawareness of support channels, targeted education campaigns and clearer pathways are urgently needed to ensure no victim falls through the cracks .