Hong Kong child sexual abuse cases surge 60% as NGO urges evidence-based prevention measures

In Hong Kong, child sexual abuse cases have surged by 60% over the past six years, according to a local NGO. The Against Child Abuse (ACA) group released data showing the rate of child abuse increased from 0.92 per 1,000 children in 2020 to 1.54 in 2025. This represents a 67% rise over the six-year period, with 501 child sexual abuse cases reported in 2025, matching the number of physical abuse cases against minors for the first time in over two decades.

The NGO attributes this sharp increase to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, economic downturn, changes in parenting styles, and recent legislation like the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance enacted in January. Patrick Cheung, ACA chairperson, highlighted the role of internet activities in the rise of child sexual abuse, emphasizing the growing problem of online sexual grooming targeting minors.

Clinical professor Patrick Ip from the University of Hong Kong's Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine further explained the long-term harm child abuse can inflict on children. Studies have shown that survivors face challenges in social, psychological, behavioral, and biological development. Ip noted that family dysfunction has become a severe issue, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when children spent more time at home, leading to diminished familial bonding and impaired parent-child interactions. This creates a scenario where children may struggle alone, increasing the risk of abuse.

The NGO has called for strengthening evidence-based prevention measures and raising awareness about the long-term consequences of child abuse. They also support calls for an offence of persistent child sexual abuse in upcoming sex law reforms and advocate for education on online safety for children, as well as measures for social media platforms to protect minors from predators.