‘Business as usual’: are Hong Kong faith communities supportive to Christian women with sexual harassment trauma?

Sexual violence, encompassing harassment, abuse and coercion, is a pervasive issue that leaves profound psychological and social scars on survivors. For Christian women, faith communities can serve as crucial sources of support in recovery; however, these communities often fail to provide trauma-informed care. This study investigates the lived experiences of eight Christian women in Hong Kong who sought support from their faith communities after enduring sexual harassment, abuse or violence. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and grounded in Practical Theology, the research explores themes of secondary traumatisation through silencing, rushed healing and expulsion. Participants reported victim-blaming, minimisation of their experiences, and a lack of safe spaces for healing within their faith communities. Instead of finding solace, they experienced re-traumatisation that deepened their sense of abandonment, anger and alienation. The findings highlight the urgent need for faith communities to adopt trauma-informed practices that foster safety, trust and empowerment. This research contributes to the understanding of the intersection between sexual trauma and religious support systems in a Hong Kong context, offering insights for better intervention strategies. Future studies should address other marginalised groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, to expand the understanding of faith communities’ roles in trauma recovery.