Introduction
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The Working Group on Combating Intimate Partner Violence and Adult Sexual Violence (WGCV) which is chaired by the Director of Social Welfare and comprises representatives from various government departments, Hospital Authority and non-governmental organizations, is responsible for mapping out strategies and approaches to address the problem of spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence. With the support of the WGCV, the Social Welfare Department has developed this website on services for victims (irrespective of their gender, race or sexual orientation) of child maltreatment, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence in Hong Kong to facilitate access to relevant information by concerned departments, agencies and individuals.
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We hope that this website can help you better understand the services for victims and find the appropriate services and assistance when necessary.
Victims Served
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The target groups covered in this website include victims of child maltreatment, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence and their family members. For information on "Services for Prevention and Handling of Elder Abuse", please browse here to Services for the Elderly of Social Welfare Department Homepage.
Objectives of Services on Victim Support
To promote victims' rights
To safeguard the well-being of the victims
To provide support and assistance to individual victims and their families so as to help them overcome the trauma brought about by child maltreatment, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence
To educate the public on the prevention and proper handling of child maltreatment, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence incidents
Introduction
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has maintained the Child Protection Registry (CPR) to collect and compile statistical information on the children who have been maltreated/might have been maltreated or are currently at risk of maltreatment and the perpetrators/alleged perpetrators/potential perpetrators for the purpose of ascertaining the magnitude of the problem, including identification of the general profile and characteristics of child maltreatment, to facilitate better communication among casework units, which are registered users of CPR and are handling suspected child maltreatment cases/with risk of child maltreatment, and also the planning and development of services which prevent child maltreatment, including the planning of public education programmes to prevent child maltreatment. At present, all SWD and non-governmental organisation (NGO) service units providing casework service, including Integrated Family Service Centres, Integrated Services Centres, Family and Child Protective Services Units, Medical Social Services Units (including Hospital Authority), Probation and Community Service Orders Offices, School Social Work Units, Outreaching Social Work Units, Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres, etc., can register child maltreatment cases and children with risk of maltreatment to the CPR.
Besides, SWD has maintained the Central Information System on Spouse / Cohabitant Battering Cases and Sexual Violence Cases (CISSCBSV) to collect essential statistical information on spouse / cohabitant battering cases and sexual violence cases handled by different organisations and departments to gauge the trend and size of such problem in Hong Kong, and also facilitate the study, planning and development of services which prevent domestic violence and sexual violence. At present, the main reporting agencies include SWD and Non-governmental organisations, the Hong Kong Police Force, Hospital Authorities, Department of Health and Legal Aid Department etc. When getting in touch with and handling a spouse / cohabitant battering case or sexual violence case, the frontline social worker and professional will conduct professional assessment on the nature of the case before reporting it to CISSCBSV.
Newly Registered Child Protection, Newly Reported Spouse/Cohabitant Battering and Sexual Violence Cases
(Period: January to June 2024)
The statistics on cases involving child protection, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence cases in the territories are captured by the Child Protection Registry (CPR) and the Central Information System on Spouse / Cohabitant Battering Cases and Sexual Violence Cases (CISSCBSV) managed by Social Welfare Department respectively. SWD will upload the collected accumulative statistical data onto this web page on quarterly or yearly basis. The number of newly registered child protection, newly reported spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence cases during a specific period is tabulated respectively below :
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Annual Statistics in Past Years
Based on the information collected by the CPR and CISSCBSV, the past statistics on newly registered child protection, newly reported spouse / cohabitant battering cases and sexual violence cases from 2014 to 2023 can be downloaded here:
Welfare Services
In Hong Kong, a wide range of welfare services for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence are provided by the Social Welfare Department (SWD), subsidized and non-subsidized non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Family and Child Protective Services Units
- Integrated Family Service Centres/Integrated Services Centres
- Medical Social Services
- Clinical Psychological Service
- Victim Support Programme for Victims of Family Violence
- Witness Support Programme for Child Witnesses
- Shelters
- Services for Batterers
- Support Programme for Enhancing Peaceable Relationship (SPeaR)
- Hotlines Services
Family and Child Protective Services Units
The services of Family and Child Protective Services Units (FCPSUs) of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) include protecting children who are / have been harmed / maltreated and assisting spouses / cohabitants who are / have been harmed in domestic violence and their family members to restore normal functioning. FCPSUs provide services to children in need of protection from maltreatment, spouses / cohabitants being harmed in domestic violence, perpetrators and other family members mainly through outreaching, investigation, early intervention, statutory protection, casework and group work services. Supportive services including clinical psychological services, child care services, residential child care services, residential services for victims of domestic violence and family aide service etc. will also be arranged when necessary. Children being / having been harmed / maltreated, persons being / having been harmed in / affected by domestic violence, and their family members can approach the FCPSUs directly for assistance. They may also be referred for services by other units of SWD, Non-governmental organisations or other government departments. |
Service Leaflet
Chinese & English version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Indonesia version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Thai version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Tagalog version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Urdu version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Hindi version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Punjabi version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Nepali version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
Vietnamese version | Service leaflet | Updated contact information |
List of FCPSUs
Addresses, telephone numbers of FCPSUs operated by the Social Welfare Department can be found here.
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Central Western, Southern and Islands)
Address: Room 2313, 23/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road,
Wan Chai,Hong Kong
Tel. no.: 2835 2733
Fax no.: 3107 0051
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Eastern and Wanchai)
Address: Rm. 229, 2/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road,
North Point,
Hong Kong
Tel. no.: 2231 5859
Fax no.: 2164 1771
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Kwun Tong)
Address: Unit 2101, 21/F, Kwun Tong View, 410, Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Tel. no.: 3586 3741
Fax no.: 2717 7453
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung)
Address : 3/F, Wong Tai Sin Community Centre, 104 Ching Tak Street, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon
Tel. no.: 3188 3563
Fax no.: 3421 2535
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Sham Shui Po)
Address: G/F, Cheung Sha Wan Community Centre, 55 Fat Tseung Street,
Cheung Sha Wan,
Kowloon
Tel. no.: 2247 5373
Fax no.: 2729 6613
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Kowloon City and Yau Tsim Mong)
Address: Room 803, 8/F, Kowloon Government Offices, No. 405 Nathan Road,
Kowloon
Tel. no.: 3583 3254
Fax no.: 3583 3137
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Shatin)
Address: Rm. 716, 7/F, Shatin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road,
Shatin,
New Territories
Tel no.: 2158 6680
Fax no.: 2681 2557
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Tai Po and North)
Address: 4/F., Tai Po Complex, 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po,
New Territories
Tel. no.: 3183 9323
Fax no.: 3104 1357
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing)
Address: 21/F, Tsuen Wan Government Offices, 38 Sai Lau Kok Road,
Tsuen Wan,
New Territories
Tel. no.: 2940 7350
Fax no.: 2940 6421
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Tuen Mun)
Address: 4/F, On Ting/Yau Oi Community Centre, On Ting Estate,
Tuen Mun,
New Territories
Tel. no.: 2618 5710
Fax no.: 2618 7976
Family and Child Protective Services Unit (Yuen Long)
Address: G/F, Wah Yuet House,Tin Wah Estate, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long,
New Territories
Tel. no.: 2445 4224
Fax no.: 2445 9077
Integrated Family Service Centres/Integrated Services CentresWhile social workers of FCPSUs will take up child abuse and spouse / cohabitant battering cases known to SWD, Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSC)/Integrated Services Centres (ISC) run by NGOs also provide counselling and tangible assistance to help victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering as well as their family members. |
Medical Social Services
Child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence cases may come to the notice of the medical social workers in public hospitals and specialist out-patient clinics through hospital personnel, police or other organizations, and through direct approach by patients or their families.
The medical social workers also provide counselling, tangible services and arrange referrals for rehabilitation, community services and so forth to help the victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence cases and their family members.
A list of Medical Social Services Units can be downloaded here.
Victim Support Programme for Victims of Family ViolenceIn collaboration with social workers, Tsui Lam Centre of Po Leung Kuk, provides Victim Support Programme to victims of family violence throughout the territories. The Programme aims at reducing their feeling of fear and helplessness by providing them a package of services ranging from information, emotional support and escort service when undergoing legal proceedings or facing sudden changes in life. You may approach your social worker for the service. Address: Flat 102-107, G/F, Choi Lam House, Tsui Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O |
Witness Support Programme for Child WitnessesIn strengthening support to the children (including abused children) serving as witnesses in criminal proceedings, the SWD in cooperation with the Police has set up the Witness Support Programme in which support persons would be arranged to accompany the abused children who have to give evidence in Court through a live television link system. The support person provides emotional support and help the child witness feel comfortable during the trial process. |
Shelters
Refuge Centres for Women
Five refuge centers (addresses to be kept confidential) provide temporary accommodation and supportive services to women and their children who are facing domestic violence or family crisis. They are Wai On Home for Women, Harmony House, Serene Court, Sunrise Court and Dawn Court. Refuge centres for Women accept admission on a 24-hour basis.
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Multi-purpose Crisis Intervention and Support Centre (CEASE Crisis Centre)
The CEASE Crisis Centre, operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, provides comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence and individuals / families facing domestic violence or in crisis. Services include 24-hour hotline, immediate outreaching and short-term accommodation service.
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Family Crisis Support Centre
The Family Crisis Support Centre (FCSC) operated by the Caritas-Hong Kong provides time-out facility and an integrated package of services in helping people under extreme stress or facing crisis to manage their emotions and seek positive solution to family problems, including domestic violence.
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Services for Batterers
Batterer Intervention Programme
In addition to the protection of the victims of spouse / cohabitant battering, counselling service is also provided for batterers having used violence against their spouse / cohabitant. Most of Batterer Intervention Programmes (BIP) are psycho-educational groups. The major objective is to help the batterers control their use of physical violence and other forms of partner abuse. Other objectives are to enhance their emotional control, non-violent conflict resolution and marital relationship, etc. Pamphlet on BIP for male batterers in SWD can be downloaded here. (PDF Document ) (Traditional Chinese version only) ( Word Document ) (Traditional Chinese version only) |
Approved Programme by DSW - Anti-Violence Programme
To enhance the prevention of domestic violence and strengthen protection to victims, the Domestic Violence Ordinance was amended on 1 August 2008 and renamed as Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance on 1 January 2010. If a person has been molested by his / her spouse / former spouse / cohabitant / former cohabitant / relatives (hereinafter called "the Other Party"), he or she may make an application to the District Court for an injunction against the Other Party. If the Court is satisfied, the Court may grant an Injunction containing Non-molestation Order. Under such circumstances, the Court may also order the Other Party to participate in an Anti-violence Programme (AVP) seeking to change his / her attitude and behaviour that lead to the granting of such injunction. The AVP is a psycho-educational programme approved by the Director of Social Welfare. The AVP aims to reduce the risk of reoccurrence of violence / abuse and enhance the safety of spouses and / or family members of the participants. The programme consists of 12 to 14 sessions conducted by specially trained social workers in Social Welfare Department. Programme Details and Leaflets of the Approved Programme under Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance can be download here: Programme Details ( Word Document ) Programme Details ( PDF Document ) ** If you wish to apply for injunctions under Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance (Cap 189), please visit the website of Hong Kong Judiciary. Website :https://www.judiciary.hk/zh/court_services_facilities/dov.html |
Support Programme for Enhancing Peaceable Relationship (SPeaR)
The Support Programme for Enhancing Peaceable Relationship (SPeaR) has commenced service since 1 October 2018. It is an enhanced service from the original Educational Programme on Stopping Domestic Violence (EPSDV), which is a 6-hour educational programme launched in October 2013.
SPeaR aims at providing an early and flexible intervention for batterers/potential batterers under intimate partner violence (IPV) to prevent and stop violence as well as to improve the intimate relationship. Subsequent to service enhancement, SPeaR also provides support service for children who have witnessed or been exposed to IPV and victims of IPV, with a view to protecting children from harm. Details of the SPeaR can be downloaded here .
SPeaR is provided according to the following 5 service clusters :
Clusters A, D and E
Districts : Central & Western, Southern, Islands, Eastern, Wan Chai, Sha Tin, Tai Po and North, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun Operator: Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Name of the Cluster Programme : H.O.R.I.zon Enquiry Tel : 2464 1518 |
Cluster B
Districts : Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung Operator: Hong Kong Family Welfare Society Name of the Cluster Programme : Peace Campus Enquiry Tel : 2775 2332 |
Cluster C
Districts : Kowloon City, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing Operator: Po Leung Kuk Name of Cluster Programme: Power up 360 Enquiry Tel : 2899 0019 |
Note: Participants can choose to attend the SPeaR in any service cluster according to their needs and preference.
Service leaflet of SPeaR can be downloaded below:
Chinese version | PDF File |
English version | PDF File |
Indonesia version | PDF File |
Thai version | PDF File |
Tagalog version | PDF File |
Urdu version | PDF File |
Hindi version | PDF File |
Nepali version | PDF File |
Punjabi version | PDF File |
Vietnamese version | PDF File |
Hotline Service
SWD hotline provides information on welfare services in the form of voice messages or facsimile transmission to callers through a 24-hours interactive voice response system. SWD Hotline social workers are on duty from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturdays to provide counselling, support and advice and arrange appropriate follow up services for those in-need. Outside the aforesaid duty hours, callers can choose to transfer their calls to the Hotline and Outreaching Service Team operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals for assistance from social workers. They may also leave their message on the recording machine or seek assistance from the police. CEASE Crisis Centre 24-hour Hotline: 18281 Website: http://ceasecrisis.tungwahcsd.org Family Crisis Support Centre 24-hour Hotline: 18288 Website:http://fcsc.caritas.org.hk |
Men's HotlineCaritas-Man's Hotline : 2649 1100[Wednesday: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm] ] Website:http://family.caritas.org.hk/ser/hotline.html Harmony House Third Path Man's Services : 2295 1386 [Monday to Saturday: 10am – 6pm; Wednesday and Friday: 7pm – 9pm (Except Public Holidays)] Website:https://www.harmonyhousehk.org/eng/hotlines Family and Intimate Partner Relationship Hotline for Men : 2890 1830 [24 Hours] Website:http://family.poleungkuk.org.hk/en/page.aspx?pageid=876 |
Women's Hotline
Harmony House 24-hour Women Hotline : 2522 0434 [24 hours] Website:https://www.harmonyhousehk.org/eng/hotlines HK Association for the Survivors of Women Abuse (Kwan Fook) Hotline service : 3145 0600 [Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm] |
Victims of Sexual Violence
CEASE Crisis Centre 24-hour Hotline: 18281 Website:http://ceasecrisis.tungwahcsd.org RainLily: 2375 5322 [Monday - Friday : 9:00 am - 10:00 pm Saturday : 9:00 am - 1:00 pm] Website:http://rainlily.org.hk |
Child Abuse
Against Child Abuse : 2755 1122 [Monday-Friday : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday : 9:00 am - 1:00 pm] Website:http://www.aca.org.hk End Child Sexual Abuse Foundation : 2889 9933 [Monday-Friday : 10:00 am - 6:00 pm] Website:https://www.ecsaf.org.hk/en-hk/contact-us/ |
Suicide Prevention
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong : 2389 2222 [24 hours] |
Suicide Crisis Intervention Centre
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong - Suicide Crisis Intervention Centre (SCIC) provides round-the-clock outreaching service, crisis intervention and intensive counselling to persons at moderate/ high suicidal risk. Apart from the core crisis intervention service, SCIC also cooperates with the agency's Life Education Centre and Hotline Centre and other related organisations to render other support services to persons affected by suicidal behaviour ( including family members and friends ), such as Suicide Crisis Infoline Service, group counselling and arrangement of talks and workshops, etc.
Website: https://sbhk.org.hk/?page_id=33205&lang=en
Medical and Health Services
Victims of family violence, sexual violence or child abuse may approach a hospital/clinic in person or by referral from various sources such as the Police, social worker or other medical practitioner, etc. The Hospital Authority (HA) adopts the multi-disciplinary guidelines and approach developed by the Committee on Child Abuse and Working Group on Combating Violence and collaborates with various organizations and agencies to provide holistic care to victims.
Accident & Emergency (A&E) Departments of hospitals are common initial contact points of the victims. When a victims of sexual violence, attends A&E Department for emergency medical attention, the A&E Department will as far as possible assign a nursing staff as the contact person for the case. The nursing staff will:-
assist with arrangement for medical examination or interview of the victim at a place that can ensure privacy; and
coordinate and facilitate arrangement within hospital and inter-agency communication.
For victims of sexual violence, A&E Department provides urgent medical services. HA designated clinics will also provide follow up medical services to the victims.
For victims of child abuse, A&E Department provides immediate medical examination and treatment. Victims are recommended to be admitted to the Department of Paediatrics for comprehensive in-patient services such as a more detailed medical examination and continual care. A Medical Coordinator on Child Abuse from the hospital will take care of the victim.
Victims with special needs may be referred to clinical psychologists or psychiatrists for continual care.
Besides medical treatment, hospitals/A&E Department introduce available social services to victims so that they can receive social assistance as soon as possible.
HA website: http://www.ha.org.hk
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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.
Generally speaking, the police officers of Child Abuse Investigation Units (CAIUs) of the Police and the social workers of Family and Child Protective Services Units of the Social Welfare Department will form the Child Protection Special Investigation Team to conduct joint investigation in cases that fall within the Charter of CAIUs as stipulated in Chapter 10 of the "Protecting Children from Maltreatment – Procedural Guide for Multi-disciplinary Co-operation” (Revised 2020). Investigation into child maltreatment 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
Legal Aid
Victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering or sexual violence may apply for legal aid at the Legal Aid Department (LAD) to institute civil legal proceedings. A battered spouse / cohabitant may apply for a non-molestation order, ouster order or injunction order, where appropriate. A battered spouse, who decides to have divorce, may also commence divorce proceedings at the same time. A victim of child abuse or sexual violence or a battered cohabitant may institute civil legal proceedings for an injunction order, other legal remedies and/or damages, where appropriate.
The victim may apply for legal aid at the following offices:
Hong Kong Office at 25/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong (near Admiralty MTR Station)
Tel. no.: 2537 7661
Kowloon Branch Office at G/F, Mongkok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Kowloon (adjacent to Mongkok East MTR Station)
Tel. no.: 2399 2544
To qualify for legal aid, the victim has to pass: he means test i.e. the victim's financial resources are within a specified level; and the merits test i.e. there are reasonable grounds for instituting civil proceedings, (e.g. except in divorce proceedings, LAD has to consider whether the proposed defendant/respondent can be located, and there is a good prospect of a successful claim and successful recovery of damages, etc.); LAD will consider the merits of each application case by case.
For any urgent application for legal aid, for example, the victim wishes to apply for a non-molestation order, ouster order or injunction order, etc. LAD may arrange prompt appointment for assessing the means of the victim and statement-taking.
When the victim has satisfied the means and merits tests and a legal aid certificate has been granted to take appropriate Court proceedings, the assigned lawyer will take instructions from and advise the victim on the appropriate course of action. The assigned lawyer will then take such legal action as appropriate to protect the victim's legal rights. Urgent appointment may be arranged for the victim to meet the lawyer whenever necessary. The victim will be fully informed of the progress of the Court proceedings.Other Information:
24-hour Hotline: 2537 7677
LAD website: http://www.lad.gov.hk
Legal Protection
List of Ordinances Related to Victims of Child Abuse, Domestic Violence / Spouse / Cohabitant Battering and Sexual Violence
Evidence Ordinance, Cap8
Employment Ordinance, Cap 57
Mental Health Ordinance, Cap 136
Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance, Cap 189
Crimes Ordinance, Cap 200
Offences Against the Person Ordinance, Cap 212
Protection of Children and Juveniles Ordinance, Cap 213
Criminal Procedure Ordinance, Cap 221
Live Television Link and Video Recorded Evidence Rules, 221J
Education Ordinance, Cap 279
Adoption Ordinance, Cap 290
Child Abduction and Custody Ordinance, Cap 512
Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance, Cap 579
The relevant ordinances quoted are by no means exhaustive. For the text of the above or other Ordinances, please visit the website of the Department of Justice.
** If you wish to apply for injunctions under Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance, Cap 189, please visit the website of Hong Kong Judiciary.
Website: https://www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/dov.html
If you wish to know more about Anti-violence Programme under Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance, Cap 189, please visit the Website on Support for Victims of Child Abuse, Spouse / Cohabitant Battering and Sexual Violence.
Website : http://www.swd.gov.hk/vs/index_2e.html#s2
As stipulated in the Victim of Crime Charter, a victim, like other members of the community, should help all law enforcement agencies, such as the Police and Independent Commission Against Corruption, to maintain law and order and to discover and apprehend offenders. On the other hand, a victim is entitled to the rights to:
be treated with courtesy and respect
have a proper response to complaints of crime
information – concerning reporting the crime
information – concerning investigation and prosecution
proper facilities at court
be heard
seek protection
privacy and confidentiality
prompt return of property
support and after-care
seek compensation
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Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme
Don't be a Prey of Human Traffickers
The scheme aims to provide financial awards to persons who are injured as a result of a crime of violence (or to their dependants in cases of death), or by a law enforcement officer using a weapon in the execution of his duty. It is non-contributory and non-means-tested Where the victim and the offender were living together as members of the same family at the time of the incident, assistance will only be payable under special circumstances (tel. no.: 2892 5220)
Website: https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/socsecu/criminalan/index.html
Under the policy directive of Security Bureau, all law enforcement departments are taking concerted and coordinated efforts to halt human smuggling / trafficking. For practical tips to avoid falling into a prey of human traffickers, please download "Don't fall into the hands of human traffickers" at here.
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A series of publicity campaigns and various public education programmes to promote positive values towards life, strengthen family functions and enhance people's resilience in coping with stress for prevention of abuse and violence have been launched at different levels.
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Strengthening Families and Combating Violence
District Coordinating Committee on Family and Child Welfare Services
Training and Public Education by FCPSUs
Resource Centres/Corners
Social Welfare Department (SWD) has inaugurated the Publicity Campaign on "Strengthening Families and Combating Violence" since 2002 to promote positive attitudes of loving our family, combating family violence and also raise the public awareness on child protection and seeking early assistance. Over the years, SWD has implemented a series of territory-wide and district-based publicity campaigns, and produced promotional videos on protecting children from harm and preventing domestic violence. The thematic messages are promoted through different publicity strategies, including television, radio, public transport, online platforms, social media and large-scale networks. Besides, SWD has organised many diversified district-based public education programmes and promotional activities in local districts as well as training for frontline professionals. For more updated information on the Publicity Campaign on "Strengthening Families and Combating Violence", please visit the "Heart and Hut" social media fan pages of Facebook / Instagram and YouTube channel. |
At district level, the District Coordinating Committee on Family and Child Welfare Services (DCCFCW) in all 11 districts of SWD organized publicity and community education programmes relating to domestic violence to meet the specific needs of the respective districts.
Apart from direct services, social workers of FCPSUs conduct public education and publicity for the prevention of domestic violence. They will also provide training to staff of different disciplines in the areas of child abuse and spouse / cohabitant battering.
For more information on related services, please browse the Website on Family Life Education Resource Centre.
Harmony House - Community Education and Resource
Address: Wing B, G/F., On Wah House, Lok Wah (South) Estate, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.
Enquiries: 2342 0072
Website: https://www.harmonyhousehk.org/eng/resources
Po Leung Kuk - Nu Skin Family Resources and Services Zone
Address: G/F, Main Building, 66 Leighton Road, Hong Kong.
Enquiries: 2277 8150
Website: https://www.poleungkuk.org.hk/en/service/social#tab-srv_integrated-family-services
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Strengthening Families and Combating Violence video
Reporting Child Abuse is
Everyone's Responsibility
2021-22
For your child’s happiness,
Don’t fight please talk
2019-20-
Don't let you and your children
become victims of domestic violence
2013-14 Publicity Materials on Support Services to Victims of Spouse / Cohabitant Battering, Child Abuse and Sexual Violence
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"How to Apply for Injunctions under the Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance: A brochure published by the Judiciary"
( Website: https://www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/dov.html Booklet for Child Witness of Domestic Violence
English version
PDF file Word file Leaflet for Support Services for Victims of Spouse / Cohabitant Battering
Chinese & English version
PDF File Indonesia version
PDF File Thai version
PDF File Tagalog version
PDF File Urdu version
PDF File Hindi version
PDF File Nepali version
PDF File Punjabi version
PDF File Vietnamese version
PDF File Safety Card
Chinese & English version
PDF File Indonesia version
PDF File Thai version
PDF File Tagalog version
PDF File Urdu version
PDF File Hindi version
PDF File Nepali version
PDF File Punjabi version
PDF File Vietnamese version
PDF File Leaflet for “Seek Help Early and Stop Domestic Violence –Services for Male Victims”
Chinese & English version
PDF File Indonesia version
PDF File Thai version
PDF File Tagalog version
PDF File Urdu version
PDF File Hindi version
PDF File Nepali version
PDF File Punjabi version
PDF File Vietnamese version
PDF File Leaflet on Community Education Programmes for the Ethnic Minorities (English version only)
English version only
PDF File Leaflet on "Child Protection – We All Have a Duty"
Traditional Chinese and English version
PDF File -
Further information on
physical harm/abuse
PDF File -
Further information on
sexual abuse
PDF File -
Further information on
neglect
PDF File -
Further information on
psychological harm/abuse
PDF File Indonesian version
PDF File Thai version
PDF File Tagalog version
PDF File Urdu version
PDF File Hindi version
PDF File Nepali version
PDF File Punjabi version
PDF File Vietnamese version
PDF File -
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Walk with You – Providing assistance to victims of sexual violence
Traditional Chinese version
PDF File English version
PDF File Indonesian version
PDF File Thai version
PDF File Tagalog version
PDF File Urdu version
PDF File Hindi version
PDF File Nepali version
PDF File Punjabi version
PDF File Vietnamese version
PDF File
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Publicity Materials on Support Services to Victims of Spouse / Cohabitant Battering
Publicity Materials on Protecting Children from Maltreatment
Publicity Materials on Support Services to Victims of Sexual Violence
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Study on Child Abuse and Spouse Battering (Part One)
Study on Child Abuse and Spouse Battering (Part Two)Report of Pilot Project on Batterer Intervention Programme (BIP)The Social Welfare Department (SWD) launched a pilot project of BIP (Pilot Project) from January 2006 to March 2008. An interim report has been published. After that, SWD continued to collect follow-up data after 12 months of completion of the project and the final report has been announced in August 2010. |
What is child maltreatment, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence?
According to the "Protecting Children from Maltreatment – Procedural Guide for Multi-disciplinary Co-operation", in a broad sense, child maltreatment is defined as any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs the physical/psychological health and development of an individual under the age of 18. Child maltreatment is committed by individuals who, by their characteristics (e.g. age, status, knowledge, organisational form), are in a position of differential power that renders a child vulnerable. They are responsible for the care or supervision of the child, or play a role in the care or supervision of the child owing to their statuses/identities. In child sexual abuse cases, they also include other individuals who are in a position of differential power to the child. These individuals, who may be known or unknown to the child, can be either adults or minors. Child maltreatment includes physical harm/abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and psychological harm/abuse.
According to the "Procedural Guide for Handling Intimate Partner Violence Cases", spouse / cohabitant battering is a kind of domestic violence occurs in a relationship between a couple who can be married couples, co-habitees and separated spouses / cohabitees, etc. It covers incidents of physical attack and may take the form of physical and sexual violations, such as slapping, pushing, pinching, spitting, kicking, hitting, punching, choking, burning, clubbing, stabbing, throwing boiling water or acid and setting on fire as well as spouse / cohabitant being forced to be involved in sex or undesirable sexual acts. It also includes psychological abuse, such as repeated verbal abuse, harassment, confinement and deprivation of physical, financial, personal resources and social activities, etc.
According to the "Procedural Guidelines for Handling Sexual Violence Cases", sexual violence happens when a person is subjected to non-consensual sexual act or non-consensual exposure to such act. The subjugation can take the form of physical or non-physical force, threat of force, coercion, intimidation, duress or deceit. It can also happen when the victim is unable to give consent owing to his/her age, mental capacity, fear, the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances. It includes rape, attempted rape and marital rape, indecent assault, incest, being forced to engage in masturbation or oral sex, buggery, indecent exposure, etc. It may occur in public or in private. The perpetrators can be members of the family, relatives, acquaintance or strangers. A victim of sexual violence can be any person regardless of his/her age, sex, race, occupation, marital status or sexual orientation.
What can be done if you and your relatives/ friends encounter domestic/ sexual violence problem but do not want to report to the Police at the moment?
A wide range of subsidized and non-subsidized welfare services for victims of child abuse, spouse / cohabitant battering and sexual violence are provided by the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organizations. You or your relatives/ friends can call or approach the related department/services units for enquiries/services direct based on the information available in this website.
In emergency situation, you or your relatives/ friends should leave the violent environment immediately and seek assistance from the Police.
Where can you or your relatives/ friends go if it is not safe to stay at home?
You or your relatives/ friends can apply for admission to the following refuge centres or crisis support centres:
There are five refuge centres for women (address being kept confidential). The refuge centres provide temporary accommodation and supportive services to women and their children who are facing domestic violence or family crisis. The refuge centres admit cases on a 24-hour basis. Hotlines of the refuge centers are as follows:
- Serene Court 2381 3311
- Harmony House 2522 0434
- Wai On Home for Women 8100 1155
- Dawn Court 8100 1155
- Sunrise Court 8100 1155
The Multi-purpose Crisis Intervention and Support Centre (CEASE Crisis Centre), operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, provides comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence and individuals / families facing domestic violence or in crisis (including men and victims of elderly abuse). Services include 24-hour hotline, immediate outreaching and short-term accommodation service.
Direct application or referral by any organization to CEASE Crisis Centre is accepted. CEASE Crisis Centre 24-hour hotline : 18281
Website: http://ceasecrisis.tungwahcsd.org
The Family Crisis Support Centre (FCSC), operated by the Caritas - Hong Kong , provides time-out facility and an integrated package of services in helping people under extreme stress or facing crisis to manage their emotions and seek positive solution to family problems. The FCSC operates 24-hour a day and is designed to also serve men. For assistance/enquiry, please call Family Support Crisis Centre 24-hour Hotline 18288.
Website:http://fcsc.caritas.org.hk
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