China drafts first anti-domestic violence law

BEIJING, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Chinese lawmakers have taken the first step to combat domestic violence in the country after drafting a law giving guidance to countering domestic assaults.

The problem of domestic violence in China was brought to international attention after Kim Lee, the American wife of a high-profile Chinese entrepreneur, posted photos of her badly bruised face on Weibo in 2011.

The "family abuse" law will require police to respond immediately to calls of domestic violence, provide resources for partners who want restraining orders and guidance for sentencing offenders. The law suggests repeat offenders get up to seven years in prison.

Almost 40 percent of Chinese women have reported being the victim of abuse when in a marriage or relationship. It was only in 2001 that China allowed domestic violence as grounds for divorce.

Advocates believe the law does not go far enough. Some say the law could provide an unfair exemption for unmarried and divorced couples.