Slow but sure progress
Until now, there were no specific laws related to abuse within the family, but the issue was included in related laws and regulations, such as the Marriage Law, the Law on the Protection of Minors and the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Women.
"This new law indicates we have made some progress, but only very slowly," said Liu from the Women's Studies Institute of China. "Sexual violence has not yet been written into the law, which is a crucial blind spot."
Defining "domestic" is also a critical factor. The draft considers live-in partners as family members, but it should also include other intimate relationships, such as partners who are sexually active but do not cohabit, she said.
Abuse may also be committed by other family members, Liu said, pointing out that, for example, some lesbians not only face abuse from their partners, but also suffer emotional abuse from their parents.
Liu suggested that other forms of other relationship, such as domestic workers and tenants, should also be covered by the law.
Wang said specific guidance and proper training should be provided for front-line professionals, including police officers, social workers and judges, and he expects to see a raft of clearly defined advice released soon to cover gray areas.
"For example, the law does not specify exactly how the police should respond to reports of domestic violence－and that will be critical to the aim of making a potential offender think twice before committing the crime," he said.
The path to progress
? 1995
The Fourth World Conference on Women is held in Beijing, and is seen as a landmark in the global agenda for gender equality. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted unanimously by 189 countries, are formulated at the conference. The declaration is regarded as a roadmap for women's empowerment and the key global policy document on gender equality.
? 1999
The UN selects Nov 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
? 2008
At the annual meetings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the All-China Women's Federation proposes the introduction of new laws against domestic violence.
? 2013
The NPC agrees to draft legislation to outlaw domestic violence.
? Nov 25, 2014
The State Council releases a draft document against domestic violence.
? December 2015
The national anti-domestic violence law is approved by the State legislature.
? March 1, 2016
China's first regulation to outlaw domestic violence comes into force.
