A non-governmental organisation has suggested that professional help should be offered to families involved in suspected child abuse cases, after official figures showed there was a jump in such cases during the Covid pandemic.

The Social Welfare Department in May said there were about 1,360 child abuse cases reported last year – a 40 percent jump from 2020. The majority of the reported cases involved physical abuse, followed by sexual violence.

In particular, cases involving sexual grooming have been on the rise.

Speaking on a radio programme on Sunday, Anna Cheng from the United Christian Hospital, who is also an executive committee member of the NGO, Against Child Abuse, said some families should consider seeking professional help.

"Suspected child abuse is a sign that a family needs help. We have to understand the difficulties faced by the families and their backgrounds with the help of doctors, social workers and psychologists," she said.

"It will take time to talk with the family, do research and examine the child's condition at the hospital.”

She added doctors, social workers and psychologists would then hold a meeting within ten days to determine if a case is high risk, and whether it involves child abuse.

Cheng said the government's bid to make the reporting of suspected child abuse cases mandatory should not only cover serious cases, but also suspected incidents.

She also said welfare programmes should be rolled out to support families in need.
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Last updated: 2022-09-25 HKT 14:55