Victims of sexual violence need more support: RainLily
Sexual violence crisis centre, RainLily, said it’s looking to partner with more law firms so that it can offer better legal support to victims. RainLily is one of the 16 beneficiaries of this year’s Operation Santa Claus campaign, which is jointly organised by RTHK and the South China Morning Post. With centres in Kowloon and the New Territories, RainLily offers round-the-clock crisis and counselling support, emergency contraception, sexual transmittable infections screening and preventive treatment, as well as legal support to victims of sexual violence.  One of the victims who benefited from RainLily’s support is Hailey.  "I feel so lucky that I got some support from them and no one ignored my request anymore. I didn't want to admit that I was a victim before I had any contact with this charity," she told RTHK's Kristy Lai. "This project empowered me a lot; that includes being brave to tell people the truth and admitting that I was really hurt by sexual harassment." A project officer of RainLily, Rebecca Lam, said more needs to be done to help victims like Hailey.  "I wish to expand our legal partner network and team up with more legal partners that includes global and local law firms and more barristers to provide legal consultation and representation service,” she said.  “Currently one in seven Hong Kong women experience sexual violence in their lifetime, and the resources to help them deal with the aftermath are limited.” To find out more about Operation Santa Claus or to support the campaign, visit the Operation Santa Claus  website.