There has been a sharp increase in child abuse cases in Hong Kong.
The latest statistics from the Police Force show that both child sexual assault and bodily injury cases have increased by about 70% compared with the same period last year. Some cases are believed to be affected by the epidemic.
According to the police, cases of sexual assault include indecent assault and illegal sexual intercourse. For example, a 13-year-old girl had met a 21-year-old man on the Internet. A few days later, the girl ran away from home. Later, it was discovered that the girl had been living in the man’s home. Having had sex, the man was eventually arrested for illegal sexual intercourse.
In order to enhance the awareness of protecting children, the Police Force today (9th) held the opening ceremony of the "Children's Walk-Together" Child Protection Project, and announced that it will organize related activities throughout Hong Kong from this month to November, including the launch of apps.
The police recorded a total of 780 child abuse cases from January to August this year, an increase of nearly 70% over the same period last year.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
The police recorded a total of 780 child abuse cases from January to August this year, an increase of nearly 70% over the same period last year.
The Commissioner of Police Siu Ze-yi said that the number of child abuse cases in Hong Kong has risen sharply and the situation is cause for concern.
The Superintendent of the Criminal Support Division, Hu Miaoyi, said that the cases can be divided into two categories, including sexual offences against children (abbreviated as sexual assaults) and offences against the person of children (abbreviated as bodily injuries).
Sexual assault increased by nearly 70%, the highest proportion of indecent assault
Hu Miaoyi said that in the first eight months of this year, there were 377 sexual assault cases, an increase of nearly 70% from the 233 cases in the same period last year. Among them, indecent assault accounted for the largest proportion, reaching 231 cases. More than 30% of the cases occurred in the public. Place, and the victim was assaulted by strangers.
Hu Miaoyi believes that the situation is related to the slowdown of the epidemic and the beginning of school, which increases their chances of going out.
Superintendent Hu Miaoyi of the Criminal Support Division said that more than 30% of indecent assaults occurred in public places, and the suspects were even strangers.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
The epidemic relies on online platforms to make friends and urge not to meet alone
The second place was illegal sexual intercourse, reaching 91 cases.
Hu Miaoyi said that in 30% of cases, the victims and offenders were met through online games and dating software.
She gave an example. A 13-year-old girl met a 21-year-old man in an online game and then developed a relationship.
A few days later, the girl ran away from home. After her mother called the police for help, the police found that the girl had been living in the man’s home and had sex during this period. The man was finally arrested.
Hu Miaoyi explained that since the epidemic, many children and young people have relied on online platforms to meet new friends.
She reminded that it is difficult for online platforms to truly understand the identities of netizens, so do not meet them alone. You must be alert to netizens who have never met, and do not respond to pornographic or sexual conversations.
Feng Haojian, a police clinical psychologist, said that a father suspected that he was "boiled" due to unemployment pressure and slapped an 8-year-old child.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
75% of abusers are parents
As for cases involving bodily injuries, there were also 403 cases in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 70% over the same period last year. More than 75% of the abusers were the parents of the child victims, and the rest included relatives, friends, school classmates, etc.
Hu Miaoyi gave an example. In August this year, there was a case in which a pair of parents and an eight-year-old daughter lived in a sub-house, but the parents had emotional problems. The two attacked each other during the incident. In the process, the father was emotional and even attacked the girl. Later, the neighbor called the police for help.
Psychologist: Parents are emotionally outbursts when they see their son twist their plans due to unemployment pressure
Police clinical psychologist Feng Haojian also pointed out that he had been exposed to a case in the past in which an 8-year-old child was slapped by his father because of a "twist". The school found out and called the police for handling.
The mother later described that her husband had always been a "good husband" and had always loved his son. However, he was facing unemployment pressure at the time, and he suspected that his son had "turned his mind" and caused an emotional outburst.
Hu Miaoyi said that parents used corporal punishment to discipline their children based on their children's behavior and academic problems. They even had emotional problems with their partners, which unfortunately harmed their children during disputes.
Although parents may not have the intention to harm their children, they often end up dealing with the problem through violence because they cannot control their emotions.
She also pointed out that the injuries in the overall case were relatively minor, including bruises, pain, etc.
The Commissioner of Police Siu Ze-yi said that the number of child abuse cases in Hong Kong has risen sharply and the situation is cause for concern.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
Will launch an app to provide child protection information
In order to enhance the awareness of protecting children, the Police Department announced today that it will launch a 7-week child protection plan, including coloring and slogan creation competitions.
The Police Force will also launch a "one-stop web application" to provide information on child protection.
At the same time, a "Child Protection Seminar" will be held, inviting educators, pediatricians, psychologists, etc. to exchange opinions on the prevention of child abuse.
Mandatory reporting of child abuse must be prevented from being abused. Luo Zhiguang: It is reported that it is not that it is reported that the law reform will advocate a new case of child abuse and elder abuse, bystanders are liable for inaction, the maximum imprisonment is proposed for 20 years, and mandatory reporting of abuse is proposed. Children’s mechanism did not report or be held criminally responsible. Yang Chaofa: Worry about increasing pressure from doctors News: The government intends to compulsorily report child abuse to protect children under 16 years of age and offenders can be imprisoned for 3 years
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