| Bureau / Department |
Social Welfare Department (SWD) |
| Objective |
To review the mode of service provision for adult victims of sexual violence with a view to further improving the services through enhancing service accessibility, the specialisation and coordination role of the case manager, the collaboration among different disciplines and the synergy among related welfare service units. |
| Content |
The Administration has long attached importance to the service need of victims of sexual violence. Various measures have been put in place to improve such services, which include setting up of the Working Group on Sexual Violence in 2000 (which was amalgamated with the Working Group on Battered Spouse to form the Working Group on Combating Violence in 2001), formulation of the "Procedural Guidelines for Handling Sexual Violence Cases" (the Guidelines) in 2002, and establishment of a central registry on sexual violence cases and a website for supporting victims of sexual violence in 2003.
In early 2006, the then Health, Welfare and Food Bureau (HWFB) and the SWD critically examined the existing mode of service provision and service coordination among departments concerned together with the Hospital Authority (HA), the Police and the Forensic Pathology Service of the Department of Health (DH) based on the following basic principles:
- timely, professional and specialised services should be available to victims of both sexes and their family members on a 24-hour basis ;
- there should be an easy contact point, and services provided should be easily accessible to victims who might come from different locations of the whole territory;
- the need for victims to undergo different procedures and to repeat the incidents should be minimised through better service coordination ;
- continuous support and after-care services to the victim after the crisis should be available; and
- synergy among related welfare service units concerned should be achieved.
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| Groups / Persons Affected |
Adult victims of sexual violence and their family members / relatives. |
| Impact |
After reviewing the mode of service provision, a new service model for handling adult sexual violence cases was formulated and put into practice with effect from March 2007. For the implementation of the new service model, SWD, in collaboration with related social service units, the HA, the Police and the Forensic Pathology Service of the DH, developed an effective workflow and revised the "Procedural Guidelines for Handling Adult Sexual Violence Cases". The Guidelines have been uploaded to SWD's homepage www.swd.gov.hk for public viewing.
The main features of the new service model are set out below –
- A team of designated social worker for handling adult sexual violence cases was set up in SWD.
- Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) was commissioned to operate the Multi-purpose Crisis Intervention and Support Centre, i.e. CEASE Crisis Centre.
- Victims of sexual violence or other professionals concerned (e.g. police, medical officer of Accident and Emergency Department) may seek assistance through the 24-hour designated hotline operated by TWGHs CEASE Crisis Centre.
- 24-hour immediate outreaching and crisis intervention service will be provided to the victim by designated social workers of SWD (within office hours) and TWGHs CEASE Crisis Centre (after office hours) in a place that is convenient to the victim.
- Case manager approach will be used to provide coordinated services including follow-up services to victims. That means, the same designated social worker will follow through the case for at least six months as far as practicable.
- Medical service can also be arranged in the nearest hospital. Other services such as forensic examination, report to police, temporary accommodation, if needed, may also be arranged at the same time. Medical after-care service, if required, can be arranged in a designated clinic that is convenient to the victim. Support in respect of legal proceedings, such as accompanying and supporting the victim in court proceedings, as well as other welfare services including counselling and emotional support will also be provided.
- Short-term accommodation service operated by TWGHs CEASE Crisis Centre can be provided.
This model represents improvements to the current services through enhancing service convenience, the specialisation and coordination function of the case manager, the collaboration among different disciplines, and the synergy among related service units. Review on this model will be conducted in about three years after implementation.
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| Success Factor / Lessons Learned |
- Stakeholders, including the Legislative Council Panel on Welfare Services, Social Welfare Advisory Committee, Women's Commission and women's groups concerned, were consulted.
- In planning the new service mode, gender perspectives have been taken into consideration:
- SWD / CEASE Crisis Centre: Designated social workers of same sex with the victims will be assigned to follow up the case.
- HA: A designated female nursing staff will provide assistance to the female victim; medical after-care services will be provided at gynaecology clinic. The Accident and Emergency Department of hospitals will arrange suitable venue for interview, statement-taking and forensic examination so as to protect victim's privacy as far as possible.
- Police: Female victim will be interviewed as far as practicable by female police officer with specialised training in a separated room.
- Gender-sensitivity briefings / training were organised for service operators and staff of SWD, HA, Police and non-governmental organisations.
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