On 29 May 2025, several media outlets reported on the acquittal of a 32-year-old tutor charged with two counts of indecent assault against a young girl. The case, and the discussions it has prompted, provide an important opportunity to reflect on cases involving vulnerable child victims.
The reporting on the case has brought to public attention the challenges involved in assessing a child’s testimony in cases of sexual abuse. In particular, it highlights the difficulties people face in recalling and articulating traumatic experiences that occurred at a young age. Research shows that trauma can disrupt memory formation, delay disclosure, and cause confusion or shame that affects how a child narrates their experience. These are not signs of unreliability, but common features of child trauma. Many other jurisdictions have responded to these realities by developing specialist child interview practices and adapting evidentiary approaches to better support accurate and appropriate testimony.
It was also reported that the child may have been described as having engaged in an “intimate relationship” with the defendant. If this description was made, it invites a broader societal discussion on how we speak about interactions between children and adults. Such language risks misrepresenting what is in fact grooming behaviour. Under both Hong Kong law and international norms, children cannot consent to sexual activity, and it is important that public discourse recognises the fundamental power imbalance at play.
The upcoming implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance in January 2026 is a welcome development. It signals a shift toward earlier intervention and better coordination among professionals. However, support must extend beyond reporting. Once a child enters the justice system, the processes in place must be equipped to manage the complexities of child trauma and development. The Law Reform Commission’s recommendations on reforming sexual offences in Hong Kong, and proposals by NGOs such as Rainlily to address persistent abuse, offer important guidance in this regard.
At TALK Hong Kong, we work with many survivors of childhood abuse. Most do not report their abuse and those that do typically delay disclosure for years. Many cannot recall events in sequence, and nearly all struggle with shame and self-blame. The effects of abuse are not always linear or visible. Expecting children to testify as though they were an un-traumatised adult witnesses does not reflect the reality of trauma or the needs of vulnerable complainants.
This case gives us a timely opportunity to ask what more can be done to support victims who come forward. These conversations are essential if we are to ensure that all children are protected not only by law, but by the processes that give the law effect.
Taura Edgar
Founder + Board Chair
taura.edgar@talkhongkong.org
About TALK Hong Kong
TALK Hong Kong exists to support survivors of child sexual abuse and shine a light on the scale of CSA through research and public awareness, with the ultimate aim of prevention.
References:
- Case number: DCCC166/2024
- Hong Kong tutor cleared of sexually assaulting child who was deemed not credible: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3312343/hong-kong-tutor-cleared-sexually-assaulting-child-who-was-deemed-not-credible
- 補習老師涉非禮女童5年 事主多番索恩惠 官指證人有心機裁罪脫 https://www.hk01.com/article/60242890
- 女童指證補習老師多次性侵 官形容事主是「心機」證人 隱瞞兩者親密關係 裁定被告兩非禮罪脫: https://www.stheadline.com/society/3459855/
- 補師涉非禮細路女 事主具「心機」裁脫罪: https://orientaldaily.on.cc/content/%E8%A6%81%E8%81%9E%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/odn-20250530-0530_00176_241/%E8%A3%9C%E5%B8%AB%E6%B6%89%E9%9D%9E%E7%A6%AE%E7%B4%B0%E8%B7%AF%E5%A5%B3–%E4%BA%8B%E4%B8%BB%E5%85%B7%E3%80%8C%E5%BF%83%E6%A9%9F%E3%80%8D%E8%A3%81%E8%84%AB%E7%BD%AA
- 導師涉非禮脫罪 官籲守規矩下次唔係易打甩 (2017): https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20170731/bkn-20170731134823395-0731_00822_001.html
- Rainlily / ACSVW Response: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKRfXm-PVy6/?img_index=1&igsh=MXF0aHo2aTJhdmFwYg%3D%3D
- Plan International Response: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16S7hwF6Ko/
- LRC Sexual Offenses Recommendations: https://www.hkreform.gov.hk/en/publications/rsubstantive_sexual_offences.htm
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/complex-trauma/
- Unicef: Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse Guidelines: https://www.unicef.org/media/155226/file/CCS%20Guidelines%20Final%20.pdf
- TALK Hong Kong: Magnitude of Child Sexual Abuse in Hong Kong: Review of Evidence 2010-2021, https://www.talkhongkong.org/magnitude-of-csa-in-hong-kong-review-of-evidence/
- Helpful resources for police: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/course-categories/policing/