Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1962-1963 — Page 18

girls who have been in moral danger and need care or protection or girls who have been the victims of indecent assault.

39. Its task is not made easier by the prevailing social and economic conditions in Hong Kong, which as a large seaport with a predominantly urban population is afflicted with the commercialization of sex in various forms, ranging from prostitution to the purveying of indecent publications, films and so on. It is likely that many women drift into this way of life not by choice but out of economic necessity; other factors which have an influence are crowded housing, separation from families and the breakdown of traditional family life under the impact of an increasingly industrial environment.

40. The Protection of Women and Juveniles Ordinance contains extensive provisions to protect women and girls from exploitation and to prevent trafficking and the running of brothels; the enforcement of these provisions is primarily the task of the police force. Remedial and after-care services designed to provide firm psychological support for young women at a time when they are most in need of assistance and understanding are the responsibility of this Section of the Department. 41. Prostitutes who are willing to accept help are referred to social hygiene clinics when necessary or for institutional care; priority is given to aiding young girls before they become hardened and used to easy money.

42. Unmarried mothers are also helped either to legalise their union or to make arrangements with the putative fathers for the maintenance of the children, for a financial settlement or for care and adoption of the children.

43. Girls in moral danger accounted, after prostitutes, for the second largest number of new cases during the year; services provided by the Department include guidance both to them and to their parents and help in finding suitable jobs. Vocational training is often necessary, to attract their interest, to keep them under close observation and to provide suitable skills for future employment.

44. Girls who have been victims of indecent assault are interviewed to determine whether there are any significant emotional or physical effects of their traumatic experience; if there are, intensive counselling or referral for medical treatment may be required. They may also be assisted where possible to change their environment, to train for employ- ment or to enter an institution if necessary. Officers of this Section also

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