As Hong Kong lurches from one storm to another amid its unique travails under the atrocious pandemic came the gripping stories of those who physically assaulted SEN students and kids -- many on the precipice of death.
Six months into 2022, and 689 gruesome cases of physical assault on children had been registered, up 80 percent from the same period in 2020.
"How wicked!" As many have denounced.
But with child abuse cases eclipsing previous records, have you thought of how the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a shuddering economy, have gravely struck those looking after special needs children?
Relying solely on legislation won't wipe out the issue once and for all. School closures have also exacerbated the predicament given, in effect, nobody can monitor those kids whenever schools are forced to shut under COVID.
In addition to bringing justice to bystanders and perpetrators, relevant government departments should regularly invite families of SEN kids to various activities at community centres in daytime. While the kids frolic around, counsellors can offer much-needed assistance to those looking after the kids to assuage their fears and worries. Unnerving voices like the kids ranting and shouting reverberating in their minds could potentially feed suicidal thoughts. To ward off that threat, social workers can also entice them to communicate with families of other SEN kids, where they'd know they do have companions, or listen to soothing music and even belt out songs. These are impeccable means of smothering suicidal attempts and helping them network and unwind amid dire times of crisis.
"Poverty amid affluence" is how many writers have commented on some of Hong Kong's destitute, who, while fending for themselves, have to care for kids with special needs like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), Dyslexia, and hearing impairment.
SEN children resemble pregnant women. They call for assiduous care and unfaltering patience, but they're innocent and suffer from their own vicissitudes in life. Would you dare assault a pregnant woman for needing so much care when she has to defy the lurking pain? The same holds true for SEN kids.
Engulfed by this punishing crisis, should we show solidarity with families of SEN children or brush them aside as many of us do now?
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