His comment came after the Social Welfare Department said it recorded more than 1,500 child abuse cases last year, a slight increase compared with 2023. The latest Child Protection Registry Report also found there were 542 sex abuse cases, making it the second most common type of abuse after physical harm.
Tang said sex abuse cases are much more difficult to ferret out, making it more traumatic for the victims.
“Especially in the past, for typical child abuse cases, we might think the children suffered physical harm, so we would consult a doctor and observe the children’s behaviour,” he said.
“But the new trauma is that some harm cannot be easily observed – as in sexual abuse cases.”
He urged all sectors, including service agencies, schools, the government and families, to raise awareness and work together on solutions.
Tang cited, for example, “better family education and better cooperation and coordination between the community, families and schools” as moves in the right direction
Another key move is to enhance awareness on the part of social workers and teachers to child protection, especially against sex or psychological abuse, he added.
Tang also expressed concern about the number of sex offenders under the age of 16, saying that one-fifth of the perpetrators in last year’s report belonged to this age group.
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect in January.
Tang, who chaired the bills committee for the new legislation, urged the government to release guidelines as soon as possible and provide training to ensure that professionals have a better understanding of how to handle suspected child abuse cases.
