[CNSPHOTO]

Specific measures to better enforce the Anti-domestic Violence Law of the People's Republic of China took effect from August 1 in South China's Hainan Province.

The measures were adopted at the 20th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 6th Hainan Provincial People's Congress on June 16.

The measures define the concept of domestic violence, regarding physical violence and mental violence as its two basic forms. They also expand the scope of enforcement of the anti-domestic violence law, making it clear that violence between people living together who are not family members should also be punished by reference to the law.  

The document clarifies the responsibilities and obligations of various parties, including people's governments, judicial organs, people's organizations, village and neighborhood committees, enterprises and public institutions.

The measures stress the need to enhance publicity and education about family virtues and laws and regulations on anti-domestic violence, and clarify that people's government above county levels should establish suitable systems to fulfill that need. 

A system of holding the organizations that first receive reports on domestic violence accountable for an immediate response should be established. When multiple organizations or government departments are involved in the cases, the ones that first receive the complaints or reports should handle the matters jointly with other such bodies; issues beyond the duties of any particular organization or department should be promptly transferred to the relevant authority.

A joint response mechanism relying on the government service hotline "12345" should be established. Relevant departments should respond and work together to deal with domestic violence cases through the hotline platform in a timely manner.

Warnings must play a greater role in combating domestic violence. If there are irrefutable facts of domestic violence and the offenders refuse to accept criticism and education, the public security organs should issue warning letters.

More attention should be paid to mental health services in anti-domestic violence work. Relevant organizations are called upon to give special attention to the mental health of the key groups, including victims severely affected by domestic abuse, minors, the elderly, the disabled, pregnant and lactating women and seriously-ill patients who have suffered from domestic violence, and minors who have witnessed violence in their families. Psychological counseling services should be given to those groups as well as to perpetrators who abuse their family members.

The document underlines the importance of restraining orders in dealing with family violence and the need of establishing a punishment mechanism for dishonest conduct.

In addition, the measures emphasize the protection of minors who witness violence in their families. They are also regarded as victims of domestic violence and given protection. 

(Source: China Women's News/Translated and edited by Women of China)