Domestic Violence Is a Prominent Social Issue and a Violation of Citizens' Basic Human Rights

The draft law on domestic violence is a milestone for the development and progress of women's rights in China, says Shen Yueyue — president of the All-China Women's Federation — in Beijing on November 28, 2014.

Shen presided over a seminar where a number of scholars and experts were called upon to discuss the draft law and provide their personal opinion and expertise. Since the State Council unveiled the draft law on domestic violence on November 25, 2014, it has been soliciting such opinions and analysis from experts across a number of relevant fields.

Based on their work and practical experience, the attendees — who came from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including government agencies, police forces, educational institutions and law firms — made suggestions to improve the draft law.

"We have reached a consensus on the necessity of the legislation to combat domestic violence and on the purpose of making such a law," said Shen.

"The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government have always attached great importance to the protection of human rights and has always opposed all forms of domestic violence," said Shen. "The entire society has paid close attention to the issue of domestic violence and has worked together toward its prevention."

In 2013, the Standing Committee of the 12th National Congress of China adopted domestic violence as part of its five-year legislative plan.

"The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council unveiled the draft law on domestic violence [to call upon expert opinion]. The new legislation has benefited greatly from the experience, promotion and participation of the relevant departments, the general public, and society as a whole," said Shen.

Shen underlined the meaning of the legislation on domestic violence. "Domestic violence is a prominent social issue and a violation of citizens' basic human rights. It takes a heavy toll on individuals, families and on society in general," she said.

"The Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee [held in Beijing in October 2014] made the strategic decision to promote rule of law and provided a rare opportunity for China to adopt a law on domestic violence," said Shen.

"Making a comprehensive, specialized law that prohibits and prevents domestic violence follows the principles of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee and takes measures that focus on the well-being of the people," said Shen. "It is also a key action in protecting the rights and interests of women and children as well as in promoting social harmony. It is the scientific culmination of years of theoretical and practical study on the protection of women's rights and interests."

"The legislation on domestic violence came into being because of the need for innovation with social management and the building of a harmonious socialist society," Shen said. "It is an important means of advocating and practicing core socialist values, traditional Chinese virtues and good lifestyle practices."

According to Shen, 22 provinces, regions and municipalities have already set their own rules and regulations on domestic violence; some government agencies have established relevant work protocols; and some research institutions have made strides in theoretical studies, which have helped lay a solid theoretical and practical foundation for the new anti–domestic violence legislation.

"In general, the draft law reflects the strong voice of women; the fruits of theorists’ and researchers’ labor; and the extensive experience of government agencies, especially at the grassroots level," said Shen. "It meets the requirements of promoting the rule of law and conforms to the international blueprint for anti–domestic violence legislation."

Shen is requesting that women's federations mobilize and organize their employees to discuss the draft law and guide the public in a positive way. She urges women's federations to connect with the general public to gather people's thoughts and advice — especially the opinions of women. Finally, she hopes that women's federations will continue to solicit the recommendations of experts and scholars within the field.

Shen expects scholars and experts to study the difficulties and key points of the legislation; to present their findings to the legislature; and to communicate with the relevant departments in order to reach a consensus and, ultimately, help to produce a domestic violence law with little to no room for improvement.

Shen stressed the importance of guiding women to learn about, obey, respect and use laws to protect their rights and interests. "Publicity should be increased to help women understand the basic principles and purposes of the new legislation and to improve their ability to protect their rights by law," said Shen.

"The publicity targeting the general public] should help to foster a society-wide environment in which the new domestic violence law will be well received and well respected. It should also help guide the public to realize the potential damage that domestic violence may inflict on a society and to help the public understand the importance of state intervention with matters such as these," said Shen.

"The media outlets within the women's federations should generate positive energy toward the legislation, maintain the correct direction of public opinion, publicize the importance of fighting domestic violence, and guide the people to deal with family disputes and problems in a healthy, socially acceptable way," said Shen.

Shen hopes that society — especially women, women's federations and experts and scholars who specialize in the rights and interests of women and children — can work together to help the country introduce a domestic violence law that is in line with public's best interest.

(Source: women.org.cn/Translated and edited by Women of China)