Weakened mechanism

The law also stipulates that staff members at schools, kindergartens, medical care institutions, community committees, social service centers and welfare departments should help victims reluctant to speak about domestic violence report such incidents if they suspect or find they have been physically harmed.

Media reports said a 22-year-old woman in Dezhou, Shandong province, died last year after being abused by her husband and parents-in-law when she failed to become pregnant. She had endured violence for six months without anyone helping her by calling the police.

Even though the law states clearly that institutions have a duty to report evidence of mental or physical harm to police, "many are lagging in this regard", Li added

Liu, the legal specialist, also voiced her discontent, saying that as many workers at these institutions still regard incidents of domestic violence as civil cases, they are insensitive to related issues, let alone recognizing serious cases and offering their help.

The law states that those working for institutions will be punished if "severe consequences "result from their failure to report evidence of domestic violence to police.

However, Lyu Xiaoquan, from Beijing Qianqian Law Firm, said such a vague definition is no deterrent to employees.