Shaanxi to adopt measures to combat domestic violence

The Standing Committee of Shaanxi (in Northwest China) Provincial People's Congress on November 30 held a news conference to announce the promulgation of Shaanxi's Measures of Implementing China's Law Against Domestic Violence. The adoption of the measures, which took effect on Dec 1, marked Shaanxi's legislative progress in combating domestic violence.

China's NPC (National People's Congress) Standing Committee adopted the Law against Domestic Violence on Dec 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.

The meas ures contain provisions for the prevention of domestic violence, the handling of cases involving domestic violence, the behavioral modification of perpetrators of domestic violence, and legal aid to victims of the violence.

In addition, the measures outline the responsibilities of people's governments, at all levels in Shaanxi, and various departments (including Shaanxi's civil affairs and public security departments), in combating domestic violence. The measures also contain provisions for legal liabilities of social organizations and individuals, whose work duties involve combating domestic violence.

The measures focus on preventing domestic violence, and on criticizing and punishing perpetrators, to help them realize the harm caused by their violent behavior. The promulgation of the measures will help guide officials of legal institutions and other organizations, as they conduct anti-domestic violence work, to protect women and children's legal rights and interests. That, in turn, will promote social harmony and stability.