Abused children at higher risk of long-term health problems, Hong

Against Child Abuse has urged Hong Kong to strengthen child-protection measures after reviewing local studies from recent years on how abuse affects children’s development and health.

NGO seeks tiered prevention strategy

The Hong Kong NGO said child abuse can impair victims’ development and increase their risk of long-term health problems, including obesity and heightened inflammatory responses.

It called for a tiered prevention strategy, with a primary focus on a zero-tolerance approach and policy support.

Against Child Abuse shared the findings on Wednesday and appealed for more resources and enhanced measures to safeguard youngsters.

Local studies cited

The overview drew on local studies from recent years examining the effects of abuse on children.

One cited study, published in 2024, involved 661 children and looked at adverse caregiving experiences in early childhood.

That study found such experiences were associated with altered growth patterns.

It also found that more frequent neglect and psychological aggression predicted greater later reductions in body mass index.

The NGO’s warning places child abuse in a broader health context, linking protection efforts with risks that may extend beyond childhood.

Source: South China Morning Post