Why Hong Kong must point out failings of mainland's draft law on domestic violence
Mainland proposals contain inadequacies that will affect thousands of cross-border families
The tragedy of an injured and malnourished seven-year-old girl from a cross-border family dramatically highlights why Hong Kong needs to express its views on a draft anti-domestic violence law issued by the National People's Congress Standing Committee last month for public comments.
Hong Kong is affected by such legislation because many of the domestic violence cases that occur in the city are found in cross-border families.
According to a study in Shenzhen, 55 per cent of Shenzhen families have experienced domestic violence, though it is unclear how many of those families have children who study here in Hong Kong.
Many of the domestic violence issues the city faces are also prevalent on the mainland.
Hong Kong has a great deal of expertise in such issues against the backdrop of a multi-ethnic, primarily Chinese society.
The city's organisations concerned with children, women, the elderly and ethnic minorities should work with the Law Society or volunteer lawyers to submit comments on the draft legislation, because domestic violence experts who have worked with mainland authorities on improving enforcement have described the draft as disappointing.