Time to take action on filicides in Hong Kong

• Published in: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi 2023-02, Vol.29 (1), p.87-87
• Main Authors: Hon, K L, Leung, K K Y, Chan, C H Y
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child development; Children & youth
• ISSN: 1024-2708; 2226-8707
• DOI: 10.12809/hkmj208986

The Comprehensive Child Development Service under Hospital Authority, Department of Health, Social Welfare Department, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau aims to identify needs of at-risk children and families in Hong Kong.3 Moreover, depression, related to loneliness, helplessness, or hopelessness, is one psychological condition present in those who committed filicides.2 4Perpetrators might exhibit help-seeking behaviour or filicidal tendencies. Unfortunately, mental health support in Hong Kong is lacking, especially in terms of caregiver support, although it is no substitute for a strong social support network.1 Physicians may have the opportunity to prevent filicide if these warning signs can be detected.5 We recommend development of a multi-dimensional and systematic screening tool to help healthcare professionals in identifying potential cases for filicide risk.1 Physicians, especially psychiatrists, and other healthcare and social service professionals could seize the opportunity to prevent filicide if early warning signs can be identified.5 Author contributions All authors had full access to the data, contributed to the study, approved the final version for publication, and take responsibility for its accuracy and integrity. KL Hon 1; Karen KY Leung 1; Celia HY Chan; W2 1 Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong 2 Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong