About 65% of child abusers are the parents or stepparents of the victims, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He told legislators today that from January to September last year there were 594 child abuse cases, with 763 for all of 2005. Yuen Long and Tuen Mun had the highest number of cases, with up to 30% occurring those districts.

Dr Chow said the Social Welfare Department, Police and other departments will deal with every identified case, and render assistance to the children. The Government has also launched several schemes to identify needy children and others at risk.