Hong Kong is “actively considering” creating a dedicated offence to target persistent sexual abuse of children, after more than 90 per cent of suggestions from a month-long public consultation backed a proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes. “All in all, over 90 per cent of suggestions supported the amendment and raised constructive opinions,” he said. Tang added that authorities would actively study calls to introduce a stand-alone offence covering persistent child sexual abuse, noting that the Hong Kong Bar Association had broadly endorsed the proposal after weighing various factors. “The government will actively consider the relevant suggestion and maintain close communication with stakeholders, including members of the legal sector,” he said. A dedicated offence would cover repeated sexual abuse of the same child over a period, recognising that victims abused over a prolonged period may struggle to recall the precise details of individual incidents.