NGO warns of alarming rise in child abuse cases

An NGO has warned of a concerning increase in child abuse cases in Hong Kong, prompting calls for legislative reform and enhanced action. The number of suspected child abuse cases has surged from 940 in 2020 to 1,354 in 2025. Notably, sexual abuse cases have now matched physical abuse cases, both rising to 501. The organization attributes this alarming trend to several factors, such as the lingering effects of Covid, increased online activity, economic pressures, landmark court decisions, and heightened public awareness.

Professor Patrick Ip, an executive member, emphasized that children who suffer abuse face heightened risks of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, ADHD, and obesity, underscoring the importance of early intervention. He advocated for a collaborative, data-driven approach involving governmental and academic institutions to improve family functioning and parenting skills.

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, which came into effect in January, has led to a noticeable uptick in public inquiries. The government has received 176 reports in the first five months, prompting calls for stricter laws, including criminalizing persistent sexual abuse and cyberflashing.