Fathers arrested for hitting youngsters
Monday, December 30, 2013
Two fathers were arrested yesterday for suspected child abuse in two separate incidents.
In Tai Po, a 42-year-old allegedly hit his 12-year-old daughter, causing her nose to bleed.
The man, surnamed Cheung, is said to have hit the youngster over discipline issues.
He was arrested for child abuse after his 14-year-old son called the police. The girl was taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital.
Separately, a 39-year-old allegedly threatened and hit his teenaged stepdaughter at their home in Tin Shui Wai.
The man, surnamed Kwok, is said to have become agitated around 3am because of family matters and threatened his 17-year-old stepdaughter, surnamed Wong.
Kwok also allegedly slapped her during the heated argument. He was arrested for criminal intimidation and common assault.
Those convicted of common assault face up to one year in prison.
Government statistics show that 729 child abuse cases took place in the first nine months.
Among them were 344 physical abuse cases, accounting for 47 percent. There were also 268 sexual abuse cases and 76 cases of neglect.
Against Child Abuse director Jessica Ho Oi- chu said public awareness of cruelty is not strong enough. Parents should be taught how to care for their offspring with an increased awareness of safety.
QI LUO
