The Anti-Domestic Violence Regulations of Liaoning Province took effect February 1, 2026. In recent years, the Office of Liaoning (in Northeast China) Provincial Working Committee on Children and Women and Liaoning Women's Federation have taken steps to accelerate anti-domestic-violence legislation. The Standing Committee of Liaoning Provincial People's Congress, in 2025, included the anti-domestic-violence regulations in its legislative plan, and adopted the regulations in November after soliciting public opinion and making improvements to the draft.
The regulations cover various issues, including prevention, resolution of domestic-violence cases, assistance to victims and issuing restraining orders. Six types of behaviors, resulting in physical and mental injuries, are specified as domestic violence. In addition to family members, people who cohabit are protected by the regulations.
The regulations clarify the responsibilities of both departments and organizations that are first to receive a domestic-violence case, and the regulations require departments and organizations to reduce or remit the cost of legal aid to victims of domestic violence.
The regulations also require the establishment of a government-led working mechanism that involves cooperation of various departments, participation of people's organizations and collaboration of social forces.
(Women of China English Monthly February 2026)
Editor: Wang Shasha
