China's top court highlights domestic violence cases to raise awareness

China's top court publicized eight significant domestic violence cases on Friday, emphasizing a "zero-tolerance" stance toward those who harm family members and committing to ongoing efforts to safeguard victims' legitimate rights.

The release of these cases, timed ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov 25, reinforces the Supreme People's Court's position that domestic violence should not be dismissed as mere family disputes, with clarification that psychological harm is a component of domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is an illegal or criminal act that violates an individual's personal rights. Whether occurring inside or outside the home, such violence is unlawful and should not escape legal repercussions simply because it is termed 'domestic'," the top court stated.

The court said domestic violence extends beyond physical abuse like hitting, specifying that "acts such as continuous humiliation, character degradation, or using self-harm to threaten family members also constitute psychological violence in the context of domestic violence."

It acknowledged the necessity for Chinese courts to permit experts with specialized knowledge to testify, aiding in accurately understanding the psychology and behavior of both defendants and victims. It also highlighted the critical need to care for and protect minor victims in domestic violence cases.

Additionally, Chinese courts have been urged to bolster mechanisms against violence, decisively combat all forms of violence against women, and ensure that the public perceives fairness and justice in every judicial proceeding.