To enhance multi-disciplinary co-operation and sensitivity of stakeholders in child protection, the Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit (FCSV) conducted a Seminar on Identifying and Handling of Suspected Child Abuse Cases on January 18 with the assistance of the Social Welfare Department (SWD).

Through the mobilisation by the Community Relations Division under the Police Public Relations Branch, school liaison officers invited about 650 representatives from nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, non-governmental organisations, public hospitals and the Education Bureau to participate in the seminar.

Chief Superintendent of Crime Wing (Support) Yau Siu-kei told the audience that the Force would continue to treat all reports of child abuse seriously with sensitivity and professionalism in pursuit of the aims of protecting the victims from further trauma and prosecuting the offender whenever appropriate.

A paediatrician, Dr Li Chak-ho, and Police Clinical Psychologist Mr Fung Ho-kin spoke on the identification of suspected child abuse victims from the physical and psychological perspectives. To ensure early intervention and timely support services are rendered for the victims, Senior Social Work Officer of SWD Mrs Chang Lam Sook-yee talked about pertinent referral procedures among various disciplines. Then Chief Inspector of FCSV Wong Sau-ling explained the protection measures offered to the victims throughout police investigation and judicial proceedings. As the event was well received, the FCSV would continue to run similar seminars in pursuance of its persistent child protection efforts.