Celeste Wong
During the first half of the year, there were more complaints related to domestic violence cases than in the whole year of 2015. Celeste Wong, president of the Social Affairs Bureau (IAS), stated yesterday that 96 complaints were recorded until the end of June. 65 of them were linked to violence between couples and 22 involved child abuse. Last year, a total of 82 domestic violence cases were recorded.
Currently the IAS has two protection centers for victims of domestic violence that are prepared to welcome a total of 50 individuals from those who seek help, Wong stated yesterday, at the launching ceremony of a co-operation mechanism between the government and local associations regarding domestic violence. The centers have been operating only with the cooperation of local associations up to this point. The IAS is planning to open more centers in the near future.
An earlier report by Macao Daily News reported that temporary accommodation support for the abusers would also be arranged, with 36 places prepared for them.
The increasing number of complaints is believed by Wong to be the result of the 24-hour report hotline which started last November. “We notice that it [the hotline] has really encouraged more people to seek help, or to inquire [on related information],” noted Wong.
Wong informed that family service offices have been included in the IAS’s family and community service department in order to specifically handle the corresponding issues.
Currently, more than 200 social workers from several associations are following domestic violence issues. “Our team will be bigger, and we believe we will have enough human resources,” said Wong.
Eight governmental departments and more than 40 organizations are working together in this field. Regarding the IAS’s own role, Wong claims that the department intervenes when the situations are serious. She also confirmed that assistance will be provided to the abusers when needed. “If the abusers are willing to [accept help], we are willing to provide them the help, hoping that they can correct [their behaviors],” said Wong.
New law on domestic violence came into effect yesterday. In order to cooperate within the new law, yesterday the IAS together with the other seven governmental departments including the police force, labour affairs departments and house departments, established a co-operation mechanism with a cross-departmental team to specifically handle domestic violence cases. Julie Zhu
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