Shelters underused

According to the law, governments at county or city level can set up shelters or local relief stations to provide urgent aid and services for victims of domestic violence.

However, some experts feel that these measures do not go far enough.

Li Ying, who helped launch a family and community development and service center in Beijing's Dongcheng district, said the shelters are seldom used.

According to the All-China Women's Federation, there were more than 2,000 shelters for victims of domestic violence in 2016, but in 2015, they were used only 149 times.

Li, also a lawyer from the Beijing King & Bond Law Firm, said: "Shelters are not the first choice for victims, as many people are unaware of the protective measures. When they suffer domestic violence, most victims prefer to turn to relatives or friends, or even go to hotels."

Meanwhile, outdated management and a lack of professional services at shelters have also stopped victims from taking steps to prevent further violence, she said.

"Some shelters are in remote areas, where there are no convenience stores. Others are located in safe areas, but lack supplementary services," she added.

In Chongqing, an employee at a women's and children's activity center in the city's Beibei district, told Beijing News the center's shelter only provides a room for victims of domestic violence, but does not offer meals. As a result, its services are seldom used.

Liu, from China Women's University, said: "Providing a shelter with diversified services is the 'last straw' offered to victims by the law. However, low awareness, inadequate services and impractical application procedures have become major stumbling blocks in alleviating domestic violence."