China considers landmark law to protect victims of domestic violence including restraining orders
Some advocates say definitions in proposed legislation are too narrow
China might introduce a law to protect victims of domestic abuse, including a mechanism for restraining orders.
But some activists said the draft legislation was too narrow and did not recognise partners outside marriage.
The draft is being reviewed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in its legislative session this week in Beijing.
Mainland criminal law does not have provisions specifically protecting domestic violence victims. According to a Xinhua report, the problem remains widespread across the mainland, with Zhejiang province alone recording about 23,000 cases last year.
But in situations where the police are called to a home, they often respond by encouraging the partners to resolve the conflict themselves. In serious cases, where a partner has been severely injured, the attacker is charged with aggravated assault.
The draft defines domestic violence as hitting, tying up, hurting, torturing or otherwise restraining the freedom of family members. But it does not address other forms of abuse that often accompany domestic violence, such as assuming control of property, bullying or forced sex.