Domestic Violence and Family

Domestic violence and family tragedies in Hong Kong

Introduction: Hongkongers are stunned by the results mishap in Tin Shui Wai that three family members, a woman and her two daughters, committed suicide. Worse still, many family tragedies happen among low-income families from time to time. Another widely-reported example is that a middle-aged man climbed into the house of his ex-wife, killing her by a knife and himself subsequently. Why are family problems rampant? What can the Government do to address this problem? Family problems can be attributed to a number of reasons. Love affairs outside marriage, financial problem are the illustration of it.

Problem 1:

Topic Sentence: The problem of extra-marital affairs is especially serious in cross-border marriages.

Proof: Why is it so? As a significant number of people cannot find their mates in Hong Kong, they opt for those on the mainland. After their spouses migrate to Hong Kong and live for a while, a strong sense of dissatisfaction and mutual mistrust will simmer. It is partly due to lack of mutual understanding and huge discrepancies between couples’ expectations of each other’s role and how they act in reality.

Cause: Very often than not, instead of seeking solutions, many choose to indulge themselves in extra-marital affairs. Indeed, this problem has become a cause of concern.

Problem 2:

Topic Sentence: Another major factor leading to family disharmony is financial problems among low-income families.

Proof: It has to be acknowledged, however reluctant, that money is the name of the game in Hong Kong, a materialistic society. Without a decent living condition, the problem of family disharmony is bound to arise in low-income families. As mentioned previously, recent years have seen a sharp increase in cross-border marriages, which are particularly common among low-income families. They are often the people on low social rungs due to poor qualification and social networks. They lead a very harsh life and often love from hand to mouth.

Cause: What adds to their problem is that husbands in these families are the only breadwinners. During economic recessions, low-income families are often the most vulnerable ones.

Solution 1:

Topic Sentence: First and foremost, what the government should do is to work hand-in-hand with the Social Welfare Department.

Explanation: Establishing close contact with frontline social workers can definitely facilitate the authorities’ understanding of family problems. Only with better understanding of their problems can the administration formulate and tailor-make policies to cater to their needs.