China’s judicial authorities have significantly intensified their nationwide campaign against domestic violence through a multi-faceted approach emphasizing prevention, intervention, and comprehensive victim protection. According to Supreme People’s Procuratorate officials speaking during the recent Two Sessions, this enhanced judicial focus has produced measurable declines in domestic violence cases across the country.
Hou Yahui, head of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate’s general crimes department, revealed that domestic violence prosecutions have dropped below 1,000 cases annually since 2022, representing a substantial decrease from the 1,200+ cases prosecuted in 2021. This downward trend demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of China’s legal framework and enforcement mechanisms against household violence.
The judicial strategy has evolved beyond traditional criminal prosecution to incorporate integrated functions including civil litigation support, administrative oversight, and public interest litigation. Prosecutors now actively identify cases where victims cannot pursue legal action independently due to intimidation, coercion, or limited capacity, converting these into public prosecutions to ensure accountability.
Notably, China’s legal recognition of domestic violence has expanded significantly beyond physical harm to encompass psychological abuse, emotional manipulation, and sustained verbal humiliation. This broader understanding reflects evolving social conditions and more comprehensive legal interpretations. In one landmark case from Shandong province, a perpetrator received a three-year prison sentence for psychological abuse that led to his partner’s suicide, establishing important precedent for prosecuting non-physical violence.
Judicial authorities have strengthened coordination across multiple institutions including public security agencies, women’s federations, and community organizations. This collaborative approach has improved information sharing, rapid response protocols, and victim assistance mechanisms. Additionally, nationwide legal education campaigns are reshaping public perception that domestic violence constitutes a criminal offense rather than a private family matter.
The procuratorate’s work report approved by the National People’s Congress documented 43,000 prosecutions for crimes against women’s personal rights and dignity, alongside 2,259 public interest litigations. These efforts form part of a broader integration of China’s Anti-Domestic Violence Law, Civil Code, and Law on the Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests into a cohesive protection framework that addresses both visible and concealed forms of abuse.