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Police
Intervention  The
Hong Kong Police Force will handle and investigate
all complaints or reports of child abuse, domestic
violence and sexual violence cases. In emergency situation,
a report should be made through the 999 Hotline. In
other situations, the report can be made to any police
station, Police Hotline 2527 7177, or any police officer.
List of telephone numbers of police stations can be
found here.
The details of the victims and the informants will
be kept confidential.
Police officers will treat all victims with care
and sympathy and take all necessary steps to ensure
their privacy.
The police officers of Child Abuse Investigation Units
(CAIUs) of the Police and the social workers of Family
and Child Protective Services Units of Social Welfare
Department will form the Child Protection Special
Investigation Team to conduct joint investigation in
serious child abuse cases that fall within the Charter
of CAIUs as stipulated in Chapter 20 of the
"Procedural Guide for Handling Child Abuse Cases -
Revised 2007". Investigation into child abuse
cases fall outside the charter of CAIU will be
undertaken by Police Divisional/District Crime Units.
When required, clinical psychologists will also take
part in joint investigation. To reduce the child
victim's anxiety, video-recorded interviews with child
victims will be conducted in the specially designed
Video Interview Suites.
In spouse / cohabitant battering cases, the primary concern of
the Police is the safety of the victims and their
children, who will be referred to appropriate refuge
centre or SWD when necessary. The victims will be
provided with information concerning various government
departments/NGOs which provide social/legal services.
Depending on the circumstances, they may be referred
to SWD in the absence of their consent.
In sexual violence cases, police investigation will
be conducted in such a way that the victims will not
be further traumatized. Police will also introduce
to the victims the counselling and support services
of SWD and other NGOs. Subject to
their consent, arrangement will be made to refer them
for appropriate services.
To enable the victims to better understand their
rights, they will be furnished with a copy of the
Victims
of Crime Charter published by the Department of
Justice and/or the Rights of Victims and Witnesses
of Crime Leaflet published by the Police which explains
the rights of victim in relation to police investigation.
If the victims have to give evidence in court proceedings,
they will be provided with a
Witness in Court leaflet.
For victims who are children or mentally incapacitated
persons, application will be made to court so that
they can give evidence via live television link, and
support persons will be arranged.
Police will also introduce to the victims the
Criminal & Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme.
HKPF Website : http://www.info.gov.hk/police
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