Survivors of repeated child sexual abuse in Hong Kong are urging the introduction of a new offence to cover prolonged abuse. The appeal comes ahead of a public consultation by the Security Bureau on updating sexual offence laws unchanged since the 1950s.
Bobo described hiding daily from a family member abuser during her school years. “Every single day I had to figure out how to avoid that person, how to find another safe spot inside the flat,” she said.
Mui, abused by her stepfather from age 13, recalled nights and holidays as the most frightening. “It felt like I had completely lost my freedom,” the 25-year-old said, noting she stayed silent to protect her housing.
Advocates say the planned reforms risk leaving gaps without a specific persistent child sexual abuse offence. The Security Bureau is set to launch the consultation soon.
