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Crime in Hong Kong
Hong KongLaw and Crime

Hong Kong ‘actively considering’ dedicated offence to fight persistent child sex abuse

Security chief Chris Tang also reveals over 90 per cent of respondents back proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes during consultation

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Hong Kong’s security minister has said that authorities will actively study calls to introduce a stand-alone offence covering persistent child sexual abuse. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong recently wrapped up a public consultation on plans to overhaul sexual offence laws. Photo: Jelly Tse
The reform package also includes proposals to redefine consent, strengthen protections for victims and update offences involving children and mentally incapacitated persons. Photo: Getty Images
Wynna Wong

Hong Kong is “actively considering” creating a dedicated offence to target persistent sexual abuse of children, after more than 90 per cent of suggestions from a month-long public consultation backed a proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that more than 6,000 suggestions were received throughout the consultation period, which began on July 7 and wrapped up on Wednesday.

“All in all, over 90 per cent of suggestions supported the amendment and raised constructive opinions,” he said.

Tang added that authorities would actively study calls to introduce a stand-alone offence covering persistent child sexual abuse, noting that the Hong Kong Bar Association had broadly endorsed the proposal after weighing various factors.

“The government will actively consider the relevant suggestion and maintain close communication with stakeholders, including members of the legal sector,” he said.

A dedicated offence would cover repeated sexual abuse of the same child over a period, recognising that victims abused over a prolonged period may struggle to recall the precise details of individual incidents.

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