Regarding a domestic violence case earlier this week, Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) President Wilson Hon Wai spoke to reporters after yesterday’s “Responsible Gambling Promotions Kick-off Ceremony”, saying that his bureau collaborates closely with the police to provide multifaceted support for families through its emergency support team, including assistance for both victims and perpetrators, with social workers conducting on-site visits to assess domestic dispute situations.
Hon also said that the number of domestic dispute cases has remained stable, with a significant decline in violence against children following the implementation of the Domestic Violence Law in 2016, adding that public awareness of the issue has also increased, according to the latest statistics, Hon said.
Asked about specific numbers of domestic dispute cases in the past few years, Hon said he would provide them later.
On Wednesday, two local brothers in their 50s were injured in a fight with knives in their flat in Areia Preta direct.
Hon made the remarks at the Dolby Cinema in Studio City yesterday after the “Responsible Gambling Promotions Kick-off Ceremony” organised by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), and University of Macau’s institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming.
Hon said that at this stage, investigation records show no documented history of domestic disputes involving the family linked to Wednesday ‘s altercation between the brothers.
Smart Nursery funding termination
Asked by reporters about his bureau’s decision to terminate its cooperation with Smart Nursery next month, Hon said that as the matter remains under judicial proceedings and the formal hearing of the main trial has not yet commenced, the bureau’s previous administrative decision to terminate funding to the crèche needed to be suspended pending the court’s ruling on the matter.
The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) said in a statement in March that it had decided to terminate its cooperation arrangement with Zonta Club of Macau regarding its affiliate Smart Nursery in Taipa after August 26 this year, when it would cease all financial subsidies and reclaim its premises and related equipment.
Hon did not elaborate on the reasons for the bureau’s decision to terminate its cooperation with the privately-owned nursery, which earlier this year launched a court case against the bureau’s decision.
Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) President Wilson Hon Wai speaks to reporters during yesterday’s “Responsible Gambling Promotions Kick-off Ceremony” at the Dolby Cinema in Studio City. – Photo: Ida Cheong
