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Competition enhances awareness of hidden dangers of child and youth sexual abuse in society (with photos)
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     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) hosted a prize presentation ceremony today (December 27) to recognise the efforts of competition award winners in arousing public concern about the risk of sexual abuse faced by children and youths in society.

     At a ceremony for the "Materials, Desire, Love, Sex" short-film cum storyboard creation competition, the winners talked about their experiences during the creative process. By participating in the competition, they said they had deepened their understanding of the hidden risks of sexual abuse in society. They hoped their creations could help other children and youths to understand ways of protecting themselves and seek appropriate assistance when encountering problems.

     A spokesman for the SWD said, "In view of the popularity of social websites on the Internet and the upward trend in children and youth sexual abuse cases in recent years, the SWD launched the 'Materials, Desire, Love, Sex' short-film cum storyboard creation competition on the Internet from September to October this year, aiming to enhance the positive values and self-protection awareness of children and youths to help them avoid the pitfalls of sexual abuse."

     The spokesman stressed that sexual abuse causes great harm to the victims and the abuser is the one to blame. The victim should promptly seek help from family members and professionals.

     The competition was divided into Tertiary, Secondary and Open groups, registering a total of about 130 entries. The panel of judges selected a "Best Creation Award" for each group while the public voted online for "My Most Favourite Award". Winners and finalists' work has been uploaded onto the website (www.swdvideocontest.com) for public viewing.

     The SWD has run the territory-wide "Strengthening Families and Combating Violence" publicity campaign every year since 2002 to raise public awareness of the importance of family solidarity and the prevention of domestic violence, and to encourage those in need to seek assistance as soon as possible. One of the campaign's publicity aims this year was the prevention of child and youth sexual abuse.

Ends/Thursday, December 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:40

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