Germany-China Seminar: Experts Analyze Anti-Domestic Violence Law

 July 9, 2015
Germany-China Seminar: Experts Analyze Anti-Domestic Violence Law
The 15th Law Seminar between China and Germany, on the theme of the legal system and mechanisms for anti-domestic violence, opened in Beijing on July 6. [Xinhua]

The 15th Law Seminar between China and Germany, on the theme of the legal system and mechanisms for anti-domestic violence, opened in Beijing on July 6.

Germany and China have taken turns to host the seminar annually, after the countries signed a Legal Exchange and Cooperation Agreement in July 2000. The agreement established a bilateral dialogue platform, on which both countries come together regularly to advise each other on planned laws and legislation.

Song Dahan, director of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council; Heiko Maas, German Federal Minister of Justice; and Parliamentary Secretary of the German Federal Economic Cooperation and Development Ministry Thomas Silberhorn attended the event.

Member of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal Committee and Executive Vice-Mayor of Beijing Li Shixiang also attended and delivered a welcome speech.

This year is the 15th anniversary of the dialogue. It is reported that both countries have exchanged opinions on 14 legal themes before, including the protection of citizens' legitimate rights and interests, the common normative action of the governments, and market supervision rules and improvements.

How can we break through the traditional Chinese concept that "shame in the home should not be made public", and protect women and children from domestic violence? At the seminar, in respect of the legislative difficulties of China's first Anti-Domestic Violence Law, more than 100 legislative workers, government officials, judges, lawyers, experts and scholars communicated and discussed three topics: "the prevention and detection of domestic violence and salvation of victims", "administrative relief and criminal responsibility on domestic violence" and "civil relief for victims of domestic violence".

In recent years in China, incidents of domestic violence have occurred one after another. According to the legislative arrangements of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the consultation draft for the Anti-Domestic Violence Law is expected to be submitted for consideration later this year.

Song said, "The family is the basic cell of society. Domestic violence not only violates the health and safety of family members, it also goes against the security and stability of society."

How to stop violence among family members by law? What are the limits of responsibility for the judicial authorities? How to effectively help the victims of domestic violence? Maas said, "The Anti-Domestic Violence Law is a comprehensive system of engineering. Common efforts of the courts, police offices and social organizations are all needed to better protect women and children."

According to the statement issued at the conference, domestic violence is not considered to be "household trouble" in Germany. Even neighbors have the right to report incidents; the German government and social organizations have also established a large number of "Women's Homes" to protect victims. According to the German Anti-Domestic Violence Law made in 2000, domestic violence not only refers to physical abuse, but also includes verbal intimidation and other mental torture. Once receiving the alarm, police will take steps to protect victims immediately, and the courts have the right to prevent perpetrators from entering their own houses.

"The bilateral legislative exchange at the highest level reflects the mutual trust between China and Germany. The elimination of domestic violence against women and children is an important aspect of human rights protection, and also the manifestation of equality before the law. The Chinese government has made special laws to protect the rights and interests of women and children. China's efforts in this regard are worthy of our respect", Silberhorn said.

Song added, "The making of China's Anti-Domestic Violence Law aims to further enhance the awareness and ability of the whole society to counter domestic violence, and to prevent and deal with domestic violence lawfully. We hope that through exchanges and cooperation with German experts, useful help may be offered to the construction of China's Anti-Domestic Violence Law."

Through exchange, communication and understanding between Germany and China has been deepened in the legal industry. The scheme has also made a positive contribution to further enrich their bilateral strategic partnership.

(Source: Xinhua/Translated and edited by Women of China)

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