China nearing domestic violence judicial interpretation

A judicial interpretation against domestic violence may be issued in the first half of this year, China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) revealed on Thursday.

The interpretation is being formulated to provide a unified point of reference for courts on various crimes related to domestic violence, the SPC announced at a press conference.

It will define the concept of domestic violence, classify violent acts and stipulate penalties.

Of all intentional homicide cases, nearly 10 percent involve domestic violence, according to SPC statistics.

"Public calls for legal interference in domestic violence have become stronger in recent years, and many lawmakers have proposed working out a law against such atrocities," said SPC spokesman Sun Jungong.

China has yet to draft a law on domestic violence, but the courts have launched a pilot program in 2008 to intervene by giving victims "personal safety protection."

Courts will issue a safety protection order for victim within 48 hours after receiving and confirming applications, according to Sun.