Child abuse cases in Hong Kong up 66 per cent in first 9 months of 2021

Authorities attribute the increase to the pandemic, with a weaker economy creating more stress at home and children spending less time at school

Police call on carers, teachers, parents and even neighbours to step in if the need arises, saying: ‘Protecting our children is everyone’s responsibility’

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Cases of child abuse were up 66 per cent in the first nine months of the year. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:17am, 5 Nov 2021Updated: 8:23am, 5 Nov 2021

The number of child abuse cases reported in Hong Kong in the first nine months of the year has jumped by two-thirds compared with the same period in 2020, police have said.

Authorities attributed the increase to societal changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, with a weaker economy creating more stress in local households, and children spending less time at school and in extracurricular activities, leaving them more exposed to danger both in and out of the home.

“Often, child abuse cases arise because of adults, such as conflicts between parents or if they are unable to control their own emotions and take it out on children,” said Superintendent Lee King-hei, of the police force’s crime wing.

“The harm may not be intentional, but a momentary loss of control can cause children to become victims.”

Reported cases of child abuse were up 66 per cent, from 525 in the first nine months of 2020, to 871 in the same period this year.