PLS Ip

Abstract

Heightened awareness of child abuse in Hong Kong dated back to a particularly serious case in 1978. Since then a multidisciplinary approach to the problem is in place. Physical abuse is the most frequent form of abuse detected but sexual abuse, rarely reported prior to 1990, had risen to 30% of all cases in 1998. Child neglect is not often established although deaths while children are left unattended continue to occur. Psychological abuse has been difficult to identify because of its lack of concrete signs. Looking forward, Hong Kong should seriously consider mandatory reporting by professionals. Training is required in the recognition of uncommon forms of abuse. Conducting child death reviews is a means to identify preventable causes of unnatural deaths. Focus should not only be on remedial measures but also on prevention. To truly protect children in Hong Kong, we need a Child Policy, a comprehensive Child Ordinance and an independent Child Commission to ensure the policy's implementation.