Advice | An overhaul of Hong Kong’s care home system is required after sexual abuse claims

A caring society is built on institutional support and the integrity of those entrusted with the responsibility of caring for those in need. It is disturbing when this foundation comes to public attention again after another high-profile case of sexual abuse in a renowned care home for the disabled.

Hong Kong authorities should review the existing surveillance mechanism to provide greater protection to the weak and vulnerable.

A 38-year-old male worker was arrested in August and charged with raping a 21-year-old woman and sexually assaulting a 20-year-old man at a facility run by Hong Chi Association, the largest NGO service provider for the disabled. But the incident was only made public in separate statements last week by the association and the Social Affairs Department.

In 2017, another employee of the association was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for raping and harassing a female resident under his care.

The latest case has received widespread public attention, not only because of the gruesome nature of the allegations, but also because of the broader issues of surveillance and oversight. It also emerged that letters had been sent to no fewer than five disabled homes in the past year, warning them to adhere to rules to prevent abuse.