Increase in child abuse cases raises alarm

Non-governmental organization Against Child Abuse has received a total of 1,232 reports and inquiries from their hotline this year - an 8.5 percent increase from last year. Some 15 percent, or 187 of them, were suspected child abuse cases.

Of the 1,232 cases, over 900 of them, or about 75 percent, were reported by family members, with the majority being mothers. Eight cases were reported by the child-victims themselves, and three cases were reported by the suspected abusers. Reports made by the public or the victims’ neighbors accounted for 20 percent of the total, while those made by professionals accounted for around 5 percent.

The organization said the 187 suspected child abuse cases involved 222 children.

Some 25 percent (56) were children aged between 6 to 8, while children between 9 to 11, and between 3 to 5, accounted for 20 percent each.

In these cases, there were 206 suspected abusers, with nearly 70 percent of them being family members of the victims, it said.

Meanwhile, physical abuse accounted for over half of the total at 105 cases, followed by psychological abuse, including humiliation and intimidation, at 31 cases. Cases related to sexual abuse and neglect accounted for approximately 10 percent each, with 16 and 15 cases respectively.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Against Child Abuse hoped that Legco would pass the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill as soon as possible, along with comprehensive measures to provide children with better protection.

They also advocate for legislation to fully prohibit corporal punishment and implement comprehensive sexual education in schools. 

Separately, they recommend stronger regulations for internet service providers to ensure the safety of online platforms in order to address cybercrimes and prevent child sexual abuse.

It also suggested clear legislation over psychological child abuse, raising public awareness of psychological abuse, and enhancing parent education programs to promote positive parenting methods.