NPC Deputy Calls For Wider Cooperation in Fighting Domestic Violence

Fu Lijuan at the 3rd session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing [Xinhua]

Fu Lijuan, a deputy to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), has called on various government departments and social institutions to work together to fight against domestic violence.

"The mechanism of cooperation between different government departments and social institutions lies at the core of any system of fighting domestic violence," said Fu, who is also deputy director-general of the Hunan provincial justice department. "Fighting against domestic violence requires a spectrum of measures including calling police, seeking help, medical treatment, identification of injury, shelter, personal safety protection and getting legal assistance."

The Chinese government began consultations on a draft of its law on domestic violence — the first law of its kind in the country — on November 25, 2014, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

"The draft borrows much from the experience of foreign legislation and domestic practices and thus has many praiseworthy highlights," said Fu. "But it lacks relevant regulations on the cooperative mechanisms and should make further clarifications."

Fu also suggested that the domestic violence victims who commit crimes against the offenders after suffering from long-term domestic violence should be given a mitigated punishment or be exempted from punishment. "Light punishment in this kind of cases complies with the purpose of laws and the public's willingness, and offers the offenders opportunities of repaying society and their families," said Fu. "Thus they could return home earlier to care for the young and the elderly, which is beneficial for domestic and social harmony and stability."

Domestic violence has long remained in the shadows in China, where the culture encourages conflict to be viewed as an embarrassing private matter. Only in recent years have the Chinese people begun to re-examine the issue.

Fu Ying, spokesperson for the 3rd Session of the 12th NPC, said at a press conference on the 3rd Session of the 12th NPC on March 4 that China's first anti-domestic violence law is likely to be put forward for initial reading in August this year.

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)