Whether you’re a citizen, a migrant worker, or a tourist in Hong Kong, the government provides protection from physical abuse and assault, including domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, and indecent assault.
If you’re a victim of physical abuse or assault, or if you’re in danger and fearing for your safety, do not hesitate to ask for help. Call 999, go to the nearest police station, or seek help from your Embassy or Consulate.
Call Hotline 999
“Hotline 999” is the official 24-hour emergency telephone number in Hong Kong. You can use it to contact the police or the fire department, and also to call for an ambulance. Calls to this number are routed through three Regional Command and Control Centres (RCCC) of the Hong Kong Police Force, specifically: Hong Kong Island RCCC, Kowloon RCCC, and New Territories RCCC.
Notably, incoming calls to Hotline 999 are classified into different categories, such as: “assault,” “burglary,” “fire,” “accident,” and so on. This way, the appropriate service and personnel can be sent immediately.
For those who are speech and/or hearing impaired, you can get help by sending a text message to 992. This is the dedicated Short Message System (SMS) Emergency Hotline for the speech and/or hearing impaired.
Go to the Police
In cases of physical abuse or assault, the Hong Kong Police Force provides immediate help and protection. You can always go to the nearest police station and make a report. Visit this link to see the addresses and contact numbers of all police stations in Hong Kong.
When you make a report, keep in mind that several things must be done to ensure a thorough investigation. The official website of the Hong Kong Police Force lists the following steps in sexual violence investigations:
- Statement Taking. Once you make a report, you’ll be invited to the police station to give a statement and describe what happened.
- Physical Evidence. As evidence, your clothing may be requested by the police. So before you go, bring spare clothes, or ask a family member or a friend to bring spare clothes for you. Additionally, the police may request other items that may be of value to the investigation.
- Crime Scene Investigation. At this point, the police need to confirm the location of the offence and collect physical evidence. To assist them during the investigation, you may be invited to return to the scene.
- Forensic Examination. The police may invite you to a forensic examination, during which they may examine your body, take body samples, and inquire about the possible cause of your wounds, if applicable.
- Identification Parade. Finally, the police may invite you to identify the person(s) from a line-up of suspect(s) through a one-way viewing room. Rest assured that the suspect(s) will not see you during the viewing.
Contact MWO Hong Kong
For OFWs, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) is always ready to assist and provide assistance. As the overseas operating arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), this office is tasked to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs in Hong Kong.
The MWO Hong Kong office is located in Room 2902, 29/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Island. You can contact its hotline at (+852) 5529 1880, or send an email to mwo_hongkong@dmw.gov.ph.
If you or anyone you know is a victim of physical abuse or assault, do not be afraid to seek help. Always remember that the Hong Kong Police Force, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and other agencies are here to protect you. Take note of their contact details, and reach out when you need to!
Meanwhile, if you’re a foreign domestic helper, be sure to know your basic rights under the Hong Kong labour law. Read this article to learn about your right to proper accommodation, food, timely salary, and more.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is presented for general knowledge only. Do not rely or act on this information alone; always verify your situation with a legal professional or the relevant authority.