Outreach workers see drop in domestic violence cases

The number of domestic violence cases handled by welfare authorities has fallen in recent years, but the number of children in need of protection has increased, the government said on Wednesday.

Overall, domestic violence cases fell by 13.5 per cent on 2019 figures, falling to around 3,400 last year, social welfare minister Chris Sun said in a written response to MPs.

However, child protection cases increased by 45 percent to more than 1,450 during the same period.

These cases were referred to the Department of Social Welfare for follow-up after reporting to the police.

For cases deemed high-risk by officers, the department intervenes in crisis and provides a wide range of support, including psychological assistance as well as family crisis support centers, shelters and live-in and day child care, Sun said.

He added that some people who refused help were given a card with details of other places they could seek help.

There are promotional campaigns by the ministry and police encouraging people to seek help early and avoid resorting to violence, he said.