Domestic violence by women against men on the rise

Women are increasingly using violence against their husbands and boyfriends, according to figures from the police and Social Welfare Department.

A social worker said women are facing growing pressure outside home as many have to make a living to support their family. Those who cannot find ways to ease their pressure may resort to violence.

Police recorded 961 cases of domestic violence across the city in the first six months, up four cases year-on-year. Most incidents, 243, were in the New Territories North, up eight cases on the same period last year.

At the same time the ratio of male to female victims in New Territories North narrowed to one man to four women in the first six months from one man to 5.66 women last year. Many mainland migrants and ethnic minorities settle in the district.

The growing trend of men being battered was also spotted by the Social Welfare Department, which recorded 558 male victims last year, up more than 7 per cent from 520 in 2010.

Paulina Kwok Chi-ying, centre supervisor at the Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre, said such a rise was a result of gender equality and Hong Kong becoming no longer a male-dominated society as traditional concepts retreated. "Women also face much pressure nowadays, both at work and in the family. When they do not know how to ease their anxiety, they may resort to violence," Kwok said.