Assessing the impact of China's domestic violence law

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It’s been a year and a half since Chinese authorities passed a new law against domestic violence but many victims still don't know how to assert their rights in court.

By June, just 1,284 personal safety orders to protect victims had been issued, even though activists report that nearly a third of Chinese homes have experienced some form of domestic violence.

And as countries around the world marked International Anti-domestic Violence Day on Saturday, it was clear that the law in China needs more detailed rules to ensure better implementation.

Domestic violence victims not only include adult women, but also juveniles, elderly people and even adult men. /VCG Photo

In the city of Taiyuan in North China’s Shanxi Province, some young people told CGTN that they had never heard of the anti-domestic violence law. For those who are aware, few can say how it can help protect against abuse.

“I’ve heard about this law, but I have no idea about how to get a personal safety protection order in details,” a young woman said.

Under the legislation, anyone applying for a personal safety protection order needs effective evidence. This includes medical and police records as well as a prior warning issued by the police. And it will be more helpful if the applicant can provide photographs and threatening messages to support their claims.

So for victims who may not be familiar with the law and the procedures, getting a personal safety protection order might prove difficult.

Women victims in China often feel ashamed to reveal their domestic violence issues to other people. /VCG Photo

According to the All-China Women’s Federation, 30 percent of Chinese families have experienced some form of domestic violence. Sixteen percent of married women in China, or around 40 million wives, say they have been beaten by their husbands.

According to China’s Supreme People’s Court, 1,284 personal safety protection orders were issued up to June, an extremely small number when compared to all of the alleged cases of domestic violence.

The Yingze District People’s Court in Taiyuan has only issued one personal safety protection order – in March 2016, just about two weeks after the law was enacted. /CGTN Photo

Courts in Taiyuan city have received very few protection order applications. The People’s Court in Yingze District has so far issued only one.

Judge Cao Lixin revealed that courts face various difficulties when dealing with applications.

“In practice, victims often find it difficult to provide effective evidence, while we also have difficulty obtaining evidence and delivering protection orders to the right organizations," she said. "We also lack help from various assistant departments to ensure the orders are fully implemented."