China's procuratorial authorities have stepped up efforts in recent years to combat domestic violence by emphasizing prevention, timely intervention, strict punishment and comprehensive protection, a senior prosecutor said on the sidelines of the just-concluded two sessions.

Hou Yahui, head of the procuratorial department for general crimes of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily that nationwide procuratorial organs have strengthened enforcement against domestic violence while improving the judicial protection system for women's rights.

The effectiveness of China's judicial governance in combating domestic violence has steadily improved in tandem with the development of relevant laws and institutional mechanisms, he said.

According to the work report of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, which was approved by the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, the SPP had deepened coordination with the All-China Women's Federation and other agencies, released model anti-domestic violence cases as guidance, prosecuted 43,000 people for crimes infringing upon women's personal rights and dignity, and handled 2,259 public interest litigations.

Data from the SPP showed that more than 1,200 individuals were prosecuted nationwide for domestic violence-related criminal cases in 2021. Since 2022, the annual number of such cases has remained below 1,000.

"The continued decline in case numbers shows that anti-domestic violence mechanisms are improving and that law enforcement and judicial measures are producing tangible results," Hou said.

Procuratorial authorities have promoted coordinated implementation of the Anti-Domestic Violence Law, the Civil Code, the Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests and the Outline for Women's Development in China. By integrating criminal, civil, administrative and public interest litigation functions, prosecutors have helped to build a comprehensive protection framework.

While handling criminal cases, prosecutors also transfer relevant clues and support victims in initiating civil litigation, thus addressing common barriers such as lack of legal knowledge, fear of retaliation and difficulties in collecting evidence.

New patterns

With evolving social conditions, domestic violence cases have shown new patterns. The structure of charges has shifted from concentration to diversification. In 2021, intentional injury and intentional homicide accounted for more than 90 percent of charges in domestic violence-related crimes. By 2025, the proportion dropped to less than 60 percent, while charges such as abuse, abandonment and refusal to comply with court rulings have become more common.

Hou said this change reflects improvements in China's legal framework against domestic violence. Judicial recognition now extends beyond visible physical harm to more concealed forms of abuse.

As social interactions become more diverse, prosecutors have also expanded protection for victims. Acts such as psychological abuse, prolonged verbal humiliation and emotional manipulation are increasingly recognized as criminal abuse.

Where sustained psychological harm leads victims to suicide or self-harm, perpetrators may be prosecuted for abuse, helping to address earlier gaps in regulating nonphysical violence.

In a case in Linyi, Shandong province, a man surnamed Ma was sentenced to three years and two months in prison for abusing his girlfriend, surnamed Miao, whose suicide was linked to prolonged psychological torture. The couple had been living together and planned to marry. Ma exerted extreme emotional control, forcing her to cut social contacts, cancel trips and report her whereabouts, while subjecting her to repeated insults. After months of verbal abuse and manipulation, Miao suffered a breakdown and died of overdose.

"With the legal system becoming more comprehensive, judicial practice now covers forms of invisible violence that were previously difficult to regulate," he said.

Hou stressed that combating domestic violence requires effective prevention, timely intervention and proper protection, as well as coordinated efforts across institutions and society.

Procuratorial authorities have strengthened integrated performance across different functions. Civil litigation support helps victims pursue legal remedies, while public interest litigation promotes implementation of mechanisms, such as mandatory reporting and domestic violence admonition systems.

For cases that fall under private prosecution but where victims cannot file complaints due to coercion, intimidation or lack of capacity, prosecutors may intervene and convert them into public prosecutions.

"This ensures that victims who cannot defend their rights on their own receive protection and that perpetrators are held accountable," Hou said.

Cooperation enhanced

Procuratorates nationwide have also strengthened cooperation with public security authorities, courts, women's federations and community organizations, improving information sharing, rapid response and victim assistance mechanisms.

Legal education campaigns in communities, schools and enterprises have also reinforced the understanding that domestic violence is not a private family matter, but a violation of the law.

Beyond individual cases, prosecutors have also promoted improvements in social governance. In one case, prosecutorial recommendations addressing irregular police responses to domestic violence reports prompted a joint campaign involving 11 departments. Since last year, administrative case filings related to domestic violence reports in the area have increased 14 percent year-on-year, the issuance rate of admonition letters has risen 3.5-fold and repeat incidents have declined significantly.

yangzekun@chinadaily.com.cn