The offences collectively known as "abusive offences" are domestic, family and sexual violence and child and elder abuse, which are amongst the most difficult to crack effectively. Failure to react to an abusive offence as best as we can may result in the problem remaining unresolved or escalating to a serious tragedy.

It has long been recognised, both internationally and in Hong Kong that the close collaboration among all the stakeholders involved can deal with abusive offences effectively. In Hong Kong, this is known as the "multi-agency cross-sectoral approach" and has been incorporated into Force procedures to maximise the effectiveness of our pursuit for the twin aims of protecting victims and their family members and prosecuting abusers. 

Unfortunately, when Police deal with abusive offence victims, it is sometimes difficult to quickly understand what has happened due to the complicated causes of many abusive offences and the strong negative psychological impact on some victims.

Difficulties include victims refusing, or being reluctant, to report abuse. This often happens when the abuser is a relative or someone the victim depends on and fears the loss of their support. Alternatively the victim may wish to avoid causing disharmony or embarrassment within the family. Other reasons include a misplaced sense of shame or guilt or concern about being blamed for being the cause of the problem. 

The communication between Police and abusive offence victims can also be difficult, especially with young children, people with mental impairments, including senility, and those who do not speak the local language fluently or come from a different cultural background.

Whatever the situation, the attitudes of officers in the early stages of a case often influence the victims' decision whether or not to co-operate fully in an investigation. If officers appear to have insufficient time, interest or empathy, or are too authoritative, the victims would not get the services they require. In this case, the opportunity to secure victims' full co-operation in ensuring their own safety and prosecuting the abuser might be lost.