As our community prepares to implement Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, we stand at a pivotal moment in safeguarding the rights and well-being of our children. This law embodies a collective commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us, emphasising that the responsibility to safeguard children rests not just with professionals, but with every member of our society. However, our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate for policy changes that stipulate everyone in society to take responsibility for protecting children, and for fostering a social culture of zero-tolerance toward violence against children, ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment.

Did you know?

Newly registered child protection cases in 2024

Judgments of Child Abuse Cases

“A defenseless child, unable to resist, was repeatedly harmed in cruel and inexcusable ways.”

“As a childcare worker, the defendant showed no compassion or patience, treated young children brutally and viewed them as playthings.”

“No belief in corporal punishment can justify actions that are illegal. Repeated abuse under the guise of discipline is intolerable.”

Our Efforts

The Sound of Violence: A Child Abuse Prevention Film

To raise awareness about the importance of child protection, we produced the short film The Sound of Violence using immersive surround sound, urging the public to support children at risk and report suspected child abuse promptly.

Watch this powerful film to feel the harm of violence and reflect on the plight of abused children.

Hong Kong Programmes and Advocacy Work

1. We develop Hong Kong programmes to meet the diverse needs of children, focusing on child protection, mental well-being, and alleviating poverty. For child protection, our “Heart to Heart” programme empowers parents with positive parenting skills to prevent violence against children.

2. Our Child Safeguarding Service helps child-facing organisations improve their knowledge, skills, and internal systems, to actively protect the children they engage with. To date, we have trained over 200 organisations and directly reached more than 100,000 children.

3. We collect public opinions through polling to advocate for better child protection systems. We submit policy recommendations, speak at Legislative Council public hearing on Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse to address child welfare, organizational safeguarding protocols, and monitoring mechanisms. We also held a press conference to discuss preparations and challenges post-legislation.

4. We engage stakeholders in forums and conferences to strengthen their child protection capacity during the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse legislative process, and we will continue to monitor the practice of the Guide for Mandated Reporters and the implementation of the ordinance.

Our Action

As part of our ‘A Safe Childhood: As It Should Be?’ campaign – a series of child protection advocacy initiatives – our next advocacy goal is to push for policy changes that hold everyone in society accountable for protecting children. We are committed to establishing a zero-tolerance culture toward violence against children and creating an environment where every child feels safe and supported. Join us in building a fearless future for our children!

I am willing to walk with children

Z

Protect all children to grow up in a safe environment, never stand idly by suspected abuse and uphold the principle that “protecting children is a shared responsibility for all”.

Not do any harm on children

Pay attention for children around who may need help at any time

Find resources if they need help

↓ Sign to Support ↓

“A Safe Childhood: As It Should Be?” is a child protection campaign launched by Save the Children Hong Kong in response to the Hong Kong government’s legislation on mandatory reporting of child abuse. The campaign includes a series of child protection workshops and seminars for professionals, public education activities, and community engagement projects. The goal is to raise public awareness of child protection, establish organisational safety cultures, and advocate for the government to establish long-term child protection policies.