CAUSE

A Shelter for All

Being Neighbourly x Doris S. Y. Lee, Harmony House

Author/ Being Neighbourly
14 March 2025

Domestic violence is often triggered by a range of stressors that can destabilize a household,” says Doris S. Y. Lee, Executive Director of Harmony House.

Not surprisingly, one of the primary factors is financial stress. Economic hardship, unemployment and financial insecurity are others. Together, they can create an environment ripe for frustration, anger, and, ultimately, violence, says Lee, who adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated mental health issues, which have now become significant contributors to family abuse; and that additional catalysts include alcohol or drugs, which heighten the risk of domestic violence.

“Power imbalances within relationships, ongoing conflicts, and communication breakdowns can escalate tensions. Particularly among the elderly, new arrivals, and ethnic minority families, we find that societal attitudes, cultural norms, along with limited access to social services, can leave victims with few resources and options, deepening their sense of isolation and prolonging crises.”

Harmony House was founded in 1985, a time when domestic violence was still largely considered a taboo subject in Hong Kong. It began with Mr. Tom Mulvey, who, through his work in Hong Kong during that period of time, drew public attention to the reality of wife abuse. He advocated for a safe haven for abused women and with the support of human rights and family lawyer Ms. Pam Baker and medical expert Dr. Judith Mackay, Harmony House was established as the first independent charity dedicated to providing shelter for abused women and their children.

“Our mission was ground-breaking at the time in 1980s, and we remain committed to this crucial work today,” says Lee.

But Lee admits that time has changed the work that they do.

Initially, Harmony House was focused on providing refuge for battered women and their children. “We offered immediate safety, 24-hour hotline support, and resources for those in need. By the 1990s, we recognized the importance of addressing the needs of children who were either abused or who witnessed domestic violence in their homes.”

To promote healing and change among male perpetrators of intimate partner violence, they introduced their Batterer Intervention Programme (BIP) and established a dedicated hotline for men seeking support.

“Currently, we have the capacity to provide 73 beds within our shelter. Typically, residents stay with us for about two weeks, although we can often extend their stay to a maximum of three months under special circumstances,” says Lee. In recent years, she states that their occupancy rate has been around 70%, “reflecting a consistent demand for our services”.

According to her, once women leave their shelter, the Charity ensures they receive robust aftercare and support through their Aftercare and Ex-residents Program.

“We stay connected with clients via case interviews, home visits and phone calls to provide ongoing assistance. We also empower ex-residents to become peer leaders, enabling them to offer support to other women who have experienced abuse and actively participate in the community through volunteer service.”

Additionally, says Lee, they organize mutual support groups where ex-residents can gather, share their experiences, express their emotions, and exchange information about community resources and strengthen their bonds with one another.

Lee discloses that they’ve seen a growing number of men coming forward as victims of psychological abuse, prompting them to expand their counselling and therapeutic services for them.

They are also making significant efforts to reach out to men, educating them about their right to seek help and emphasizing that there is no shame in reaching out to professionals for support; and have piloted the service of temporary hotel accommodation for men who are affected by family conflict with the sponsorship from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. They also serve elderly individuals and families from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Harmony House offers training for multi-disciplinary professionals and advocates for policies and legislation that protect victims and their families. In the 2000s, they published the first proposal the amendment to the Domestic Violence Ordinance (Chp.189) from a social service perspective, the amendment to the Domestic Violence Ordinance (Chp.189)e and prompted government action to enhance support and protect the dignity and rights of domestic violence victims.

“Today, victims have access to a wide range of resources and services, for both male and female, along with their children and other family members. Our continuous advocacy and initiatives have not only expanded access to essential services but have also empowered victims to reclaim their lives and navigate their paths to recovery,” says Lee, adding that by providing crucial support and championing their clients’ rights, we have created a more compassionate and responsive environment for those affected by domestic violence, enabling them to pursue healing and reintegration into society.”

In recent years, shares Lee, they have significantly increased our awareness and educational campaigns addressing psychological abuse and the effects on children who witness domestic violence. This has resulted in more victims seeking help.

“A notable trend we have observed is the rise in reported child abuse cases, with numbers increasing from 856 in 2014 to a projected 1,504 in 2024. This highlights the importance of ongoing attention to child protection and preventative initiatives. We believe that rising public awareness surrounding child abuse has led more parents, educators, and community members to recognize and report suspected abuse, contributing to the higher number of reported cases as individuals become increasingly informed and vigilant,” she says.

Lee adds that they are also encountering new forms of domestic violence, including technology-related abuse, as victims share experiences of online harassment and image-based sexual abuse by their partners.

“While Harmony House has made significant strides in improving support for domestic violence victims, we acknowledge the complexities of the situation and the continuous effort required to ensure safety for all,” says Lee.

What is the best thing about the work that you do?

“I fundamentally believe that all human beings have the right to live with dignity and respect, free from violence, abuse and coercion,” says Doris S. Y. Lee, Executive Director of Harmony House.

“Human rights must be upheld not only in our society, but also in our homes. That’s why I choose to work for Harmony House.”

“I take immense pride in my role here and cherish the relationships I build with our funders, donors, corporate partners, board members, volunteers and staff—all of whom are incredibly dedicated to our mission. They are truly the heart of our organization.”

Harmony House
Wing B, G/F, On Wah House, Lok Wah (South) Estate, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.