Xiamen’s Siming district is pushing forward a series of measures to provide care and protection for women and children in need, as its first anti-domestic violence center is scheduled to open this week.

According to Chen Junyong, vice chairwoman of the Xiamen Civic Women’s Federation, the center aims to provide consultancy and marriage guidance services through a hotline. Meanwhile, the center, together with Xiamen’s judicial system will reach out to those who are suffering from severe domestic violence and offer them temporary accommodation for shelter and protection.

The first batch of family care service pilot areas will be set in 18 communities in Siming district, providing all-rounded services to locals. Children will be able to learn communication skills with each other through games and entertainment activities and parents can receive practical education training. In addition, elderly people can also fill their time by participating in various art courses. The pilot areas will have a panel of professional social workers on hand to keep a close eye on the mental and physical health of the elderly, providing services such as taking blood pressure, psychological counseling and short-term companionship.

By Liu Xiaoyu from China Daily Fujian Bureau