The Child Abduction and Custody Ordinance, Cap. 512, was enacted in 1997 to give effect in Hong Kong to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction signed in October 1980. CPPU is responsible for coordinating all requests from the Central Authorities, i.e. Secretary for Justice, for assistance in handling abduction cases in which a child has been wrongfully retained or removed from custodial care or his/her habitual place of residence.

Mission of CPPU

Our mission is to protect the rights of children and to combat domestic violence. Through working together with other concerned government departments, non-government organizations and with support from the community, we aim to serve the best interests of the victims and their families by providing them with good quality service.

The motto for all concerned professionals is :- Vision of CPPU Our vision is to make Hong Kong one of the safest places in the world and an environment free of abuse and violence for children to grow and develop in harmony.

Functions of CPPU

CPPU is formed under the auspices of Crime Wing Headquarters, and vested with the following responsibilities in respect of child abuse and domestic violence:-

(a) Formulation and Implementation of Force Policies CPPU as a policy unit is responsible for devising and formulating Force policies and procedures in handling child abuse and domestic violence cases to ensure a coordinated police response to reports of these cases.

(b) Liaison with Other Government Departments and Non-Government Organizations There are two government working groups to examine and deal with problems of child abuse and battered spouses, and to map out prevention strategies. SP CPPU is a member of both working groups and has kept the Force abreast with the latest developments in government policies. CPPU also works closely with individual government departments and non-government organizations on multi-disciplinary procedures, inter-agency cooperation, training and coordination.

(c) Monitoring Trends of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence In order to improve police service for victims and cope with any changing patterns in these cases, CPPU monitors trends of local child abuse and domestic violence cases and looks into those cases of special interest.

• prevailing trends and problems;
• enforcement difficulties; and
• needs and rationale for new legislation.

This will enable Hong Kong Police to learn from overseas experience and bring in improvements to the local system as appropriate. CPPU also keeps an eye on overseas efforts in combating child abuse and domestic violence with specific reference to the following :

(d) Legislation CPPU constantly reviews existing legislation relating to child protection and domestic violence with a view to identify any needs for legislative changes in response to prevailing local and international crime situations.

(e) Liaison with Overseas Law Enforcement Agencies and NGOs To enable Hong Kong Police to have a wider outlook of the problem, CPPU liaises with overseas law enforcement agencies and non-government organizations on new initiatives and practices in child protection. To this end, SP CPPU regularly attends Interpol Standing Working Party on Offences Against Minors, an international forum where law enforcement agencies and NGOs from many other countries work together. CPPU also gathers and exchanges information and intelligence on child pornography and child sex tourism with overseas law enforcement agencies.

The Child Abduction and Custody Ordinance, Cap. 512, was enacted in 1997 to give effect in Hong Kong to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction signed in October 1980. CPPU is responsible for coordinating all requests from the Central Authorities, i.e. Secretary for Justice, for assistance in handling abduction cases in which a child has been wrongfully retained or removed from custodial care or his/her habitual place of residence.

(f) Training CPPU coordinates and jointly develops with Social Welfare Department (SWD) basic and refresher training in child protection special investigation and video recorded interviews of vulnerable witnesses. Suitably qualified police officers, social workers and clinical psychologists are selected for the training. CPPU also co-organizes training with other departments and invites speakers from overseas to conduct training on various subjects relating to child abuse. Apart from the above, CPPU is actively involved in the training of police officers on a regular basis, giving lectures on various Force training courses.

(g) Witness Support Programme The amended Criminal Procedure Ordinance stipulates that vulnerable witnesses giving evidence via a closed circuit television link may be accompanied by an adult acceptable to the court, namely a support person. As such, Witness Support Programme was launched in November 1996 by SWD and the police with the aim to provide children and mentally incapacitated witnesses with practical information and emotional support to facilitate their giving evidence in court. The programme is administered by SWD. CPPU coordinates and processes all requests for a support person from crime units for referral to SWD.

(h) Research on Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Related Issues CPPU works closely with local universities and other research centres / associations on research projects. Any members of Force pursuing academic studies on child abuse and domestic violence related subjects are most welcome to approach CPPU for advice or assistance.