More aid is on the way for victims of family violence in Po Leung Kuk, with the announcement of a government appropriation of HK$5 million for a victim support program.

The Director of Social Welfare, Patrick Nip Tuesday said, "the government is committed to combating domestic violence and has been continuously providing new resources to enhance the preventive, supportive and follow-up services for victims of domestic violence and families in need."

Spousal abuse remained the most significant category among all domestic violence cases. In 2009, the total number of newly reported "battered spouse" cases decreased by 30 percent to 4,807. That compares to 6,843 cases in 2008. The number of newly reported "child abuse" cases rose to 993 last year. That's up more than 12 percent from 882 in 2008. The abusers are mainly parents of the victims.

Nip stressed that the program would provide comprehensive support service for victims of spousal violence and child abuse, particularly those needing to go through judicial proceedings, with the aim of strengthening protection and alleviating their fears and feelings of helplessness.

The scope of service includes providing relevant information and emotional support. Assistance and consultation will be provided to victims involved in civil and criminal proceedings.

Shirley Hung, assistant professor of Social Work at the Hong Kong Baptist University, welcomed the program but said the amount is far from sufficient. She said she doubts whether the program can be comprehensive.

"It is progress for the government to tackle domestic violence but this kind of project-based support only benefits a handful of victims," she noted.

It is expected that the program will benefit 800 users per year.

(HK Edition 03/31/2010 page1)