Combating domestic violence a society's duty

Relevant central departments have jointly issued a document strengthening implementation of the domestic violence admonition system.

The document has now gone a step further by clarifying the standards for evidence recognition and law enforcement. For example, according to the new document, the basic conditions for the public security authorities to recognize domestic violence include "the perpetrator's statement plus the victim's statement or witness testimony" and "the victim's statement or witness testimony, along with another form of corroborative evidence".

The new document also specifies eight types of corroborative evidence that public security organs can treat as admissible in court. These include audiovisual materials, telephone recordings, text messages, instant messaging information, emails and other electronic data; testimonies from relatives, neighbors, and others; written apologies or guarantees previously provided by the perpetrator; medical evaluation opinions; medical treatment records from medical institutions; records of complaints, reports, or requests for assistance regarding domestic violence received by relevant departments.

All these will make it easier for victims of domestic violence to collect evidence, as well as for the legal enforcement institutions to have ample grounds to admonish. The move is evidence that combating domestic violence is not just a family matter but a national affair that requires the participation of whole society.

BEIJING NEWS