In the late 19th century, abduction and trafficking of women and children were widespread in Hong Kong, under the mui tsai system.

On 8 November 1878, a group of local Chinese (Lo Lai-ping, Shi Shang-kai, Fung Ming-shan and Tse Tat-shing)[2][full citation needed] presented a petition to the governor of Hong Kong, John Pope Hennessy, to set up the Po Leung Kuk to rescue the kidnapped victims, and the society was officially opened in August 1882.

In the early days, it was primarily engaged in suppressing abduction of women and children and providing shelters and education for such victims.

There were some difficulties with the colonial government, as a result of cultural differences, but the overall intention of improving the lot of unfortunates was earnestly pursued.

[5] The Kuk currently runs more than 300 units throughout Hong Kong, providing welfare, educational, cultural and recreational services.