Severe abuse can leave lasting mental scars and behavioural problems in children, psychologists have warned after two toddlers in Hong Kong were allegedly confined in a dog cage, a case that sparked public outrage and renewed calls for earlier reporting and intervention.
The calls for action came as the latest official statistics showed that more than 100 reports had been made since a mandatory reporting requirement for suspected child abuse came into effect in January.
Professor Hou Wai-kai,…