December 1998

Guarding Kids

No prey for sex perpetrators

By Kwong Sum Yin

     In an animated public announcement which aimed at educating children against sexual abuse, a character named Dor Dor says, "If anyone touches you and you feel uncomfortable, you should say 'no' loudly and tell an adult you trust.

     According to the Child Protection Registry, the number of child sexual abuse cases handled by the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organizations has risen from 11 in 1991 to 249 at the end of June this year.

     "The government is aware of the problem," said Mr. Liu Chun Keung, principal information officer of the Promotions Subdivision of the Information Services Department.

     "In the 1980s, the government set up the Working Group on Child Abuse to formulate policies and reinforce education on child abuse," said Mr. Liu.

     As awareness of child sexual abuse increased, new promotional and educational campaigns were launched in 1994.

The public announcement of Dor Dor was a part of the promotional campaign, which aimed at children.

     "Dor Dor is a cute and affectionate character that children accept," said Mr. Liu. "As a result, Dor Dor is the one suitable for teaching children."

     However, Mrs. Lui Cheung May Hung, 31, a secondary school teacher with a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, did not think the announcement was effective.

     "The message is not clear," said Mrs. Lui. "My children don't understand the announcement, so it is not particularly attractive to them."

     Miss Amy Yeung, an outreaching social worker of The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, also said the announcement did not have a strong appeal to children.

     "Children are not conscious of the implicit message," said Miss Yeung.

     Mr. Liu admitted that announcement alone was not enough and stated that it was only a part of the promotion.

     "Owing to limited air time," said Mr. Liu, "The announcement was made as simple as possible. But we have other publications complementary to it.

     "There are posters, leaflets and brochures of Dor Dor.

     "A booklet including guidelines is also designed for parents. It tells them how to protect their children from sexual abuse."

     Some people said the government could do more despite its present efforts.

     Miss Kelly Leung, a social worker of Against Child Abuse, said, "The government can allocate more resources to non-governmental organizations so that they can work with the government."

     Miss Yeung agreed that more could be done on government's part.

     "Sexual abusive behaviour is a kind of psychological disorder that abusers may not know.

     "The government should popularize psychological counselling so that abusers can turn to someone for help."

     In addition, she said the judicial system was not favourable to victims of sexual abuse.

     "In many cases," said Miss Yeung, "victims are sent to children centres for protection while the accused are released on bail. The government should amend the law."

     For parents to protect their children, Mrs. Lui said communication was of utmost importance.

     "Encouraging children to express themselves is one way to prevent children from keeping sexual abuse secret."

     Miss Leung agreed that communication was important. "If parents have to ask others to take care of their children," she said, "ask the children to speak out about their experiences and feelings.

     "Moreover, if parents notice that their children suddenly become timid, they should talk to them."

     Miss Yeung also said parents should be sensitive.

     She said, "When looking for someone to look after their children, parents should find a person who is not merely accessible, but also trustworthy.

     "If parents suspect that their children have been sexually abused, do not hesitate but encourage them to disclose the problem."

     She once dealt with a case of child sexual abuse.

     "A 15-year-old girl had been abused since the age of eight," said Miss Yeung. "However, she did not reveal it.

     "I think the late disclosure hurt her most. The earlier the disclosure, the less the victim suffers.

     After all, parents are probably children's best protectors against sexual abuses."

     Said Mrs. Lui: "Parents should spend more time with their children. In fact, love, care, encouragement and support are the best protection."