Dear students, 

Adolescents are easily agitated and sometimes verbal disagreements may escalate in to physical conflicts. In the past, t here have been incidents of young people fighting in groups in Macao but resolving differences through violence is not an optimal choice. Not only will it fail to solve the problem, it may even bring about grave consequences. Inflicting physical injuries upon another individual may violate the penal code and destroy one’s future.

According to Article 137 of the Penal Code of Macao the offence of common assault causing harm to bodily integrity wounding others physically may be punishable by up to 3 years in prison. In accordance with Article 138 of the legislation above the offence of aggravated assault causing harm to bodily integrity, if the act of wounding has serious impact on the physical or mental condition of the other person or is life threatening, the culprit may be sentenced by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Finally, according to Article 145 “participation in fighting”, anyone who interferes with or participates in a fight may be subject to a 3 year prison sentence . As such, engaging in a fight or wounding other people may result in grave consequences.

Peers should treat each other with courtesy and try to help and understand each other. Any misunderstanding or contradiction should be calmly resolved through communication or adult mediation and not violence to avoid the situation from spiraling into an irreparable state.

For more information on the modus operandi and preventive measures against crimes, please visit our website (www.pj.gov.mo)

The Youth Concern Group
Community Policing and Public Relations
Division of the Judiciary Police