A total of 450 child abuse cases were reported in the first nine month of the year, up 29% over the same period last year, the Social Welfare Department says.

Of them, 58% were physical abuse cases, 27% sexual abuse cases and 7% neglect.

There were 2,559 battered spouse cases in the same period, the department added. Among them, physical abuse made up the highest percentage (80%), followed by psychological abuse (10.5%) and multiple abuse (9.4%).

Say no to violence: Director of Social Welfare Paul Tang unveiled a mural design competition and noted his department has produced a number of publicity items to arouse public awareness of the need to combat abuse in the home.

Meanwhile, 260 elder abuse cases were also reported to the department. Tuen Mun and Yuen Long had the highest number of both newly reported child abuse and battered spouse cases.

Publicity strengthened

The department will strengthen publicity and education in the two districts. It will also set up the sixth Family & Child Protective Services Unit in Yuen Long by April next year.

Speaking at the first anti-family violence mural competition ceremony today, Director of Social Welfare Paul Tang said domestic violence should not be tolerated and there should be effective and accessible protection for the abused.

Mr Tang said the department will step up its efforts and measures to prevent and tackle family violence.

The mural design competition is the key element of the "Strengthening Families & Combating Violence" publicity campaign launched by the department this year.

The response has been enthusiastic and the department received about 120 applications.