Doctors asked to intervene in abuse cases

Staff members at Shanghai medical institutions should keep detailed records on the physical condition and medical treatment of patients who may be victims of domestic abuse, the city's health authorities said.

"If evidence of family violence is found during treatment, staff members should take prompt action, arrange for security personnel to isolate the person and report the incident to the police," the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission said in a recent notice.

"Medical staff members should actively work with the police to collect related medical documents," said the notice, which was published on Aug 22.

If cases are not reported and lead to serious consequences, the person directly responsible may face punishment, it said.

Earlier this month, a netizen uploaded a video showing a man beating his father in a hospital.

According to the online news portal The Paper, the father, 86, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and had been in the hospital since Aug 11. The man often hit his father in the face, kicked his legs or stabbed his mouth with a spoon handle, the report said.

"Every one will become old one day. It's absolutely unacceptable to see a man treat his old father in such a rude and violent way," an anonymous netizen said.

Many netizens said the son should be severely punished for his behavior. Police said he has been detained for 10 days and was fined 500 yuan ($76). His father was taken care of by other family members.

The health and family planning commission also required local medical institutions to strengthen public education and improve awareness about family violence.