To protect residents' (especially women and children's) legal rights and interests, South China's Guangdong Province adopted Guangdong's measures of implementing China's law against domestic violence during the 22nd Session of the Standing Committee of the 13th Provincial People's Congress, which was held on July 29. The measures will take effect on October 1. 

China's NPC (National People's Congress) Standing Committee adopted the law against domestic violence on December 27, 2015. The law took effect on March 1, 2016. The legislation, the first of its kind in the country, marked a milestone in the development of China's legal system, in the progress of protecting Chinese citizens' rights, and in the promotion of women and children's development.

In accordance with Guangdong's measures of implementing the law, online behavior that inflicts mental harm or suffering among family members should be defined as "domestic violence." The measures also stipulate minors who witness violent behavior should be considered victims of domestic violence.

(Women of China English Monthly September 2020 issue)