A few months ago I called the police on Lamma about a father yelling at and hitting his teenage daughter (I assume this was their relationship to each other). I can see directly into their flat from my place and could see him hit her several times, twice in the face and head, and once knocking her to the ground. The police took 20 minutes to arrive (on their bicycles, bless their hearts) and were over there for a long time. Other neighbors were on their balconies watching so it was clear that I wasn't the only one disturbed by this and the police told me that they had received several phone calls about it. I do not know the outcome of that night, but I do know that there is a small baby in the house, as well as the teenage (maybe 14) girl and I guess an older son.

Now he is yelling again, and I am hearing loud crashing sounds and the baby is screaming. Others are out on the balconies looking and listening. I have called the police again and they are on the way.

So I am wondering what happens with someone like this. Do the police take any action? Is there anything else I can do here besides call the police. Are there any social organizations that would intervene in a situation like this and try to get the man some help?

Frustrated and feeling unable to do much for those kids.

The Social Welfare Department are responsible for following up cases like this. The police should have referred the report - but you can always telephone them direct.

This is from the SWD site:


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Family and Child Welfare

Q2: What can I do if I suspect that a child has been abused?
A2: If you suspect that a child has been abused, you can call the following units for assistance:

Family and Child Protective Services Units of Social Welfare Department at 2707 7680 / 2158 6680 / 2940 7350 / 2231 5858 / 2247 5373 / 2445 4224.

Hotline of Social Welfare Department at 2343 2255.
You can also approach professionals you are familiar with, such as teachers, child care workers, student guidance teachers, social workers, doctors, etc. or call the police for assistance.

Q3: What will happen after I report a suspected child abuse case?
A3: Upon receipt of the report, social workers of the Family and Child Protective Services Units of the Social Welfare Department would contact the child and family to investigate. The social worker would assess the child's condition, risk level and, if deemed necessary for the protection of the child, send the child to hospital or other suitable places for medical examination and treatment, or arrange temporary out-of-home care for the child. Police may be involved if circumstances suggest that criminal offence may have been committed. A multi-disciplinary case conference will be held among doctors, social workers, teachers, police, clinical psychologist, etc. who know the family to consider factors, like severity of injuries and psychological harm to the child, for formulating a welfare plan for the child. The conference will also consider appropriate services to help the family

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p.s. you work in the ice-cream shop don't you?

Thanks for the information; I appreciate it. Maybe I will give the Social Welfare Department a call and see if they can be of help.

Sorry, I don't work in the ice cream shop. Might be nice, though.

Sounds like a pick up line to me Nancy.

Watch out for those sophisticated dudes with Chinese sounding names and good written English.

Wants to know if you are the chick who works in the ice cream shop!

Believe me Nancy - don't encourage him, It'll come to no good. He'll love you and leave you like they all do.


Oh yeah! You would get more response on this island if a dog was beaten in public.

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Age. Fac ut gaudeam

Tjung, he is probably more your type anyway. Besides, your hair is of a finer and more golden quality than mine.