The Social Welfare Department will consider lengthening the statutory injunctions against child and wife abusers in revising the law on domestic violence, Assistant Director Anna Mak says..

Speaking on an RTHK radio talk show today, Mrs Mak noted the amendment of the Domestic Violence Ordinance aims to afford longer period of protection to victims of family violence from the existing nine months, up to a maximum of two years. It will also include ex-spouses and ex-cohabitants to protect more people.

Asked if the department would consider adding in-laws, grown-up children, and elders to the amendment, she said those suggestions would be studied and assessed carefully before reaching a decision.

Inter-departmental team formed

She added the department last year formed an inter-departmental coordination team, with members from the department, welfare services agencies, Police, and the medical community, to step upefforts against domestic violence. It is also developing preventive measures.

On the issue of silent victims, Mrs Mak admitted some women and children, for the sake of family harmony, will not report abuse. However, the department would step in to call the Police on their behalf if there was severe bodily harm.

On accommodations for battered wives, she noted the department has four shelters for those seeking temporary residence. It would work with the Housing Department to arrange and provide a flat for the victims expecting long-term residences in public-housing estates.