| Bureau / Department |
Social Welfare Department |
| Objective |
Victim Support Programme for Victims of Family Violence is a territory-wide programme which aims to provide more comprehensive support services for victims of spouse / cohabitant battering and child abuse and their family members (including those undergoing judicial proceedings) so as to strengthen their protection, alleviate their fear and feelings of helplessness, and also to help them return to normal life as early as possible. The Programme has been launched since June 2010. |
| Content |
Victims may approach the Integrated Family Service Centre or Family and Child Protective Services Unit in their districts to get a referral for services under the Programme. Service users can obtain information on relevant legal proceedings (for example, application for injunction order, interim custody order, divorce and other related proceedings) and information on community support services (such as legal aid, accommodation, medical treatment, child care support, etc.). They can also be provided with emotional and other support services, as well as accompanying service for attending court hearings when necessary. The Programme mobilises volunteers to provide support services to the victims as appropriate. |
| Groups / Persons Affected |
Victims of spouse / cohabitant battering and child abuse cases (including those victims undergoing judicial proceedings) and their family members. |
| Impact |
Staff and volunteers working under the Programme have received relevant training for enhancing their gender awareness in order to take care of the needs of different service users. Moreover, service providers have regard to the victim's gender and needs when assigning appropriate staff and volunteers to provide suitable services. |
| Success Factor / Lessons Learned |
- Relevant organisations have been consulted, including government departments and non-government organisations which provide women and children services.
- Gender perspectives have been considered when designing the mode of service, such as:
- To assign appropriate staff and volunteers with regard to the gender and needs of the victims;
- To offer flexible service hours to meet the needs of the victims (e.g. mothers); and
- To provide temporary child care services for the victims who are unable to take care of their child(ren) when attending police station interviews or court hearings.
- Provision of training courses for the staff and volunteers.
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