Call to close loopholes in Hong Kong’s child sexual offence bill

More than 30 groups and individuals have collectively called on the government to close loopholes in Hong Kong’s child sexual offence bill and provide greater protection to survivors.In a paper released on Thursday, the non-profit organisations and professionals also urged the judiciary to review its practice directions to safeguard child abuse victims who often suffered from intense cross-examination in court, which could lead to secondary harm.They highlighted the urgent need to examine legal gaps in the bill as the government has pledged to introduce it before the Legislative Council’s current session ends.“With 16 per cent of children suffering from child sexual abuse in Hong Kong, we must urgently address critical gaps in Hong Kong’s child sexual offence laws to enhance protections for vulnerable children,” Taura Edgar, founder and chair of the board of Talk Hong Kong, said.“These changes are essential to create a more effective legal framework that prioritises child safety.”The bill will introduce changes to existing laws recommended by the Law Reform Commission following its reviews of sexual offences and sentences released in 2019 and 2022. It will establish new sexual offences involving children and people with mental impairments.