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Domestic Violence in China
In a recent report in the China Daily it was reported that about 60 000 Chinese women have lodged complaints of violence being used against them by their husbands. I was shocked by that, because I was under the impression that it was only a phenomenon among sick western men.
According to the report, the available number is an understatement as many women are still too embarrassed or afraid to report their husbands.
During one of our discussions in the classroom, this was one of the topics to be debated. Again, great was my amazement when I realized that the Chinese students were not unfamiliar with this phenomenon ... So, can I accept that it happens in the average Chinese home today ...?
But, that's not the question. I was wondering what the opinion of our NEC students would be on this highly controversial phenomenon? Do men have the right to lift their hands against a female? Do husbands have a right to "discipline" their wives by using violence? If so, how did they earn that right ... through marriage ...? So, then not one of today's young potential brides would be guaranteed that this would not happen to them one day ...?
What do you think should the punishment be for domestic violence? Should men go to prison for that? Or should they be left alone as it's a domestic and private matter?
Comments
Sat, 12/17/2011 - 19:57
i wonder why the men have the rights to use the violence to threat their wives or force them to do unwilling things？i think this serious issue should attach the whole society' attention.they are too autocratic to realize women are as equal as them.Today，i think it's time for our women to do something to protect yourselves！
Tue, 12/13/2011 - 17:02
Men have the no right to lift their hands against a female! On the contrary ,they should love and protect their wives. I hate those men who use violence to "serve" their wives and flaunt with others. They are commiting crimes.
Sat, 12/10/2011 - 21:44
Take all the things into consideration,i think that not all the time the law punish the people who are guilty of crime.The world should be just and the law must be equal to everyone in our society.
I look down upon those guys who hit their wife or their child.Being a husband ,you should try your best to protect you wife,shouldn't you?
Sun, 12/04/2011 - 14:52
Violence can`t solve the problems.The best way is to site down and be calm. and to think the key to the conflict.Women must use the law to protect themselves.
Sat, 11/19/2011 - 11:55
As a girl,I can't stand men hit women,even if they did the wrong thing,or rather,I oppose the violence.We can deal with anything by communicating or other ways.
Sat, 11/19/2011 - 19:19
Jane, I'm surprised about this late comment on an old topic. But, it's also not so untimely as I've just read in today's online China Daily in another lengthy discussion, "Domestic violence casts an ugly shadow", that the problem of domestic violence in China is escalating. If I were a female here, I think I would probably think twice about marriage these days. Really.
If you want to read, let me just quote a few lines from the article that are sending shivers down one's spine:
"About 25 percent of Chinese women have been abused by their spouses, verbally and physically, including having their freedom restricted and raped."
"The All-China Women's Federation received 51,171 complaints from women about domestic violence by their spouses in 2010, after seven years when complaints totaled 40,000 to 50,000 annually."
"According to the survey last year, 83.4 percent of people are aware that China has a special law to protect women's rights and interests, rising 9.6 percentage points from 2000. But the legal system does not protect the victims effectively, experts said."
But the big question about this ugly phenomenon I have in my heart is, "how serious are the authorities to stamp out domestic violence in this country?" Look at the following from the paper showing how little the police cares about this:
"An example is the case of Dong Shanshan, a 26-year-old woman in Beijing who was beaten constantly by her husband. Dong and her parents called the police eight times, but the police were reluctant to intervene because they took such violence to be family disputes and the couple was still a family, said her attorney, Li Ying, director of the Yuanzhong Gender Development Center.
Finally, Dong died of internal organ failure in 2009 after a severe beating. Her husband was found guilty of abusing her and sentenced to six years, six months in prison."
SIX years in prison for murdering your wife ... Is this how cheap females' lives are being regarded in China?
Fri, 11/25/2011 - 18:36
Maybe I'm too innocent to think that there are still many violence in Chinese families.At the same time,I am so sorry for those female who under distreat by their respective husband.To protect women from their husband's hit,probably,our country China or some governments should set up relative policies.Also,we can appeal to those couples in such trouble to communicate with each other more to keep harmony.They had better think things in the perspectives of the other. Looking forword to this situation that can be better as soon as possible.
Fri, 11/25/2011 - 20:21
Jane, it would only change when China's people undergo a change of heart (in this case, the men's). This phenomenon of disrespect for people (would you use violence against a person you respect?) originated in the past from very deep hurts caused to the people. But I believe the leaders have to pave the way for the restoration. Whether it would ever happen, is an open question. But let's hope for the best.
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 15:53
Yes,it is a common matter that always happen in China.According to the trandicion,men are always more powerful than women and men have more rights than women.Husbands can abandon their wives if their wives did not obtain the wife's rule,on the contrary,wives never had had this right.Nowadays,women have more rights than before,however,the thought of the differences between the men and the women has existen,though.Some husbands who are selflish and become angry easily could use violence to their wives.I think the government should take action to help these women,they need help.If their husbands committe a crime, they should be set in prison anyway.
Sat, 11/05/2011 - 17:23
I feel terrified about the domestic violence.And I view that all female should be brave and independent to defend themselves and be against it.
Sun, 10/16/2011 - 22:32
I cannot stand it.
As we all know, in the Chinese history,women have no right for a long time,and what they should do is just give birth to babies for men.Nowadays, it's said that women are equal to men, however, in fact,there are also a lot of prejudice in many fields. And in a family,women are always require to give up on their career after marriage,even the volience in the families are normal phenomenon.
I don't know why women are alway weak and the history never change.
Tue, 10/11/2011 - 23:43
My heart is on fire facing this topic and snap my fingers to the man who have maltreated their wifes,Somehow this phenomenon have been existed everywhere,everytime.So for women they should have thought of that possibility and make the preparations before their marrige .Once it happens trying to figure out what caused it .as it were,you reap what you sow.But please never subdue to this . women are supposed to handle it though communication or search helps from the surroudings .
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 00:17
it is a shame, but I think that we need to find the reason in order to find the cure
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 22:52
As you said,i think domestic violence is really happening today.
From ancient until today,the status of male and female is un fair. Women are always disadvantaged groups.
As we all know ,more and more organisations which can protect women ' rights were set up.
As a female ,men who "discipline" their wives must be punished. such as ,go to prison. It is their deserved punishments.
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 16:30
As human beings, we are all born to be equal.We should respect each other,not attack each other with violence,even though men and women are having a fierce quarrrel.As we all known, domestic violence may not only do some harm to both of women's body and soul, but also cause bad influence on the children, who witness the fight between their parents.I am against domestic violence.
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 10:50
It is reported that domestic violence in China is increasing.
The victims are mainly women and children, inflicting both physical and psychological pain on them. It sounds terrible.
It is not just a family affair.
A law should be drafted to protect the victims.
And the victims must protect themselves by using law.
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 21:01
All men are created equal, and men have no right to discipline their wives. As for this phenomenon,I think it is related with the psychological illness. And the cause of this illness may come from the stress that men have to bear and have accumulated. They regard their family as the target to let off their pressure because they can's find any other way or any one else to give vent to.( Actually, there are many other ways to solve their problems.) But they may be coward, and they just think their family is his best bullied choice. Yes, this is just my assumption. But I consider the fact is no far from mine. (I think nobody will do this without any reason. And human being is not born to be violent.) It is not just the stress that makes men like this, there are many other things have this impact on men. The effect of the outside world have may influence on people, and then people change both mentally and psychologically. Domestic violence is always serious, I don't think punishment is a effective way to solve this problem (it maybe worsen the case for it can deteriorate the punished psychologically) I think education is much better,and the family should give them support.
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 20:14
Like Darren said somewhere above, punishment (via the law) is not the answer to address the root causes of domestic violence. You are one of very few who realizes this, Zee. It's clear that you thought about this before making your comment.
And you are again one of very few who is prepared to say this might be related to psychological illness despite the embarrassment this view may cause. You are right to say that life's pressures and stress (and there are many other invalid reasons given) are no excuse for domestic violence.
And then the violators choose their wives to give vent to their aggression. Wives are soft targets. So, what does it tell us about these men ...? Yes, that they are COWARDS.
Education ...? Maybe it can help a little. But, again as Darren mentioned earlier, one should address the reason (the root) for this loathsome anti-social misbehaviour. But how does one get men to do self-assessment? I have the idea that this problem is deeply rooted in men as a whole ... especially in societies where the past has brought many deep hurts into the lives of the people. Somebody (or even an influential organizaton) in an authoritative position should take the initiative in situations like this. But now this is getting too sensitive; so, let's leave it here. :)
Sun, 10/02/2011 - 01:43
This is really not the phenomenon in China alone, but the universal problem. In fact many western developed countries had gone through the climax of it when they were boosting in economics. Competition and challenges twist people's minds, and they start to find ways to let off. It was known for husband to beat wife; conversely in Wuhan, One of the central cities in China quite a few organization have been set up to receive complaints from husbands who are violated by their wives. Due to the difference in strength, Men's violence against their wives is considered to be more serious than the opposite.
Generally speaking, the reasons would be explored on both the society and families respectively. As to the former, laws will be detailed to intervene the family business which concerns family violation. This is not enough; propaganda is absolutely necessary to reinforce the awareness of equality of citizens. In a family, independence of each other in economics will certainly reduce the possibilities of violent happening, particularly women's. If they are not in the weak group, no relying on their husbands, they will certainly support themselves definitely, and furthermore to protect themselves.
How to solve the problem will be more than those mentioned above. Please join me for the discussion.
Sun, 10/02/2011 - 15:04
Harry, I think we all agree that this is a universal problem. The people from the west don't deny that they are guilty of domestic violence. It's outside the west where countries deny that, or even try to hide it from the world. In one of the comments above it was mentioned that this is an age-old problem in China. We just didn't know it, but with the latest development of technology in China (the Internet in particular), it can't be hidden anymore; and also, Chinese women are getting more bold and outspoken. So, as they are bringing this into the open now, we'll hear more and more as women gain the courage to speak out.
Organizations like the All-China's Women's Federation is also assisting much to improve the lives of women in China. But still this is only the tip of the iceberg ... remember, China has more than a billion people and the 60000 complaints being received so far are probably only a fraction of what's really going on out there. But, it's gaining momentum and hopefully the men would start learning from this ... and start becoming real men (who don't do violence)!
The following is just one of the more severe cases of this kind of violence (not easy to get info like this from Chinese women). I didn't follow the case, but I hope her husband got what he deserved for his crime (although it was probably not expected from him to give an eye for an eye ...):
Sorry, the picture disappeared. But here's two links:
http://netdna.webdesignerdepot.com/uploads/sticker_ads/Punchdoors.jpg
http://ts4.cn.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1239168328799&id=494a7d494b0f8e4dba5322acc42ee4f5&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.womenwatch-china.org%2fUpload%2ffm%2f43AA312E5510945784D6C5A25503DB26D91B7475.jpg"
Sat, 10/01/2011 - 23:57
Well , I think the key point is the wife! The wife is too weak to fight against her husband. I just have to admit that some men have violence personality . but it's not a general phenomenon . we should put them to the prison ！
Sun, 10/02/2011 - 14:44
Alice, why am I - a foreigner - aware of the problem of domestic violence in China, but her own citizens don't think it's a general phenomenon?!
Here is a shortened extract from the Asiaone.com of 8th September this year:
"China's anti-domestic violence law will be written into legislation after years of campaigning, the Beijing News reported on Wednesday, citing sources at the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF).
The ACWF has campaigned for the legislation for four consecutive years, the paper said.
About 64 per cent of adults have been subjected to domestic violence, and 60 per cent of teenagers have been the victims of abuse by parents in a province based research by ACWF in 2010, the paper said."
Take note of the contents of the last sentence. It mentions the percentage of 60% twice ... So, I'd like to believe that the problem of domestic violence in China is more severe than one would like to admit. Hopefully the proposed legislation would help to discourage this crime.
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 22:30
Laws do not sole crime
Sat, 10/01/2011 - 16:08
A real man will never beat his wife. A man has no right to do domestic violence. A real couple,whose relationships are admitted and protected by law,should have treated each other with love and respect. I think domestic violence must draw the government and society serious concern. Also,effective measures need to be taken to solve this phenomenon. Otherwise,it will lead to society problems and give a bad impact on the youth growth.
Sat, 10/01/2011 - 14:42
The problem has existed for a long time.In ancient China, female hasn't many rights,and they're in a low position.So i think domestic violince may be affected on tradittional life.But nowadays,females'position has been improved,they have more ways to protect theirselves.Their husbands have no right to hit them.The law will publish the person who make a domestic violence.Everyone is equal.I hope every female can take actions that the law allows to protect ourselves.
Sat, 10/01/2011 - 10:43
I wonder know why a man hit the woman who he loves.
He may has psychological illnesses.
If he hurts his wife because of their arguement,he should be punished absolutely.
Women should learn to protect themselves when their husband doesn't love them any more and attacked them.
The reason why they afraid of reporting their husbands is they don't want others know these embarrassing things.
I think men should protect women,especially their wives.
Though women made mistake,you can't hit them.
So these men should be send to prison or be amerced.
Fri, 09/30/2011 - 21:38
I think this problem has become more and more serious.The men use their violence to hurt their wives when they are angry or depressed.Women are sensitive animals.They regard the men's actions as the betray because they destory the promise when they married.Also it hurts women's heart although they apologize for their impulsion.I think everything can be solved by communication.So I hope the men can be rational and think more about the results when they do it.If not,I suggest that women can take advantage of the law to protect themselves.
At the same time,I think the women should be resposible for this phenomenon.Because the husband is their own choice.Thus,choose a good man if you want to live with him in your all life.
Sun, 10/02/2011 - 14:24
Good comment, Cindy, but I'd like to say something about your last paragraph. You said:
"At the same time, I think the women should be responsible for this phenomenon. Because the husband is their own choice.Thus, choose a good man if you want to live with him in your all life."
With respect, Cindy, I think that's totally incorrect! One can NEVER blame the women for domestic violence (mostly aimed against themselves, but at times against children too). Li Yang appeared to be a very nice guy (and still looks like that today!), one that would be regarded as a good guy. His wife never knew he also had a violent nature inside that would be directed against her one day. Do you really think women are so dumb that they would deliberately marry a man knowing that some day in that marriage he's going to use their faces as a punch bag ...? Come on! Love can't be THAT blind! Or is it ...?
Fact is:
Mon, 10/03/2011 - 01:22
Sorry.I think that a man's character can be reflected when a woman has got along with him for a long time.
Fri, 09/30/2011 - 17:43
I used to think that only men living in the remote place or without education will do domestic violence to women.
I think a man who was grown up in an environment with high civilization and was well educated would know it's necessary to show his respect to all the women ！ And cases about the domestic violence except LiYang’s all give me a deep impression that only rude men act like this.
Now I'm confused . We can say that someone beat his wife or daughter because of alcohol or lacking of self-cultivation .However what happened to LiYang？ I have seen him in my high school. He kept being nice to many female teachers in my school. So I hate him so much now. A man pretend to be gentle to any other women in the society but do violence to his wife.
I think a man with two face like him is terrible.