Ten Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions had enacted laws and regulations to curb and prevent domestic violence by the end of May 2002, said sources from the All-China Women's Federation.

Changsha, capital city of central China's Hunan Province, introduced the country's first regulation on domestic violence in 1996.

Likewise, lawmakers across the country have drafted laws and regulations to protect the vulnerable -- very often women, children and the aged -- from family violence, China Women's News recently reported.

The revised marriage law, which took effect last year, stresses the importance of social attitudes against domestic violence.

Gone are the days when "even the best judge was not in a position to interfere in domestic affairs" -- as an old Chinese saying goes.

Family violence is no longer considered a domestic affair. The victims can turn to their relatives, communities, police or lawyer for help.

In Shaanxi Province, northwest China, a hotline has been opened to provide services on preventing and handling family violence.

The provinces of Liaoning, Henan, Hubei and Jiangsu have all set up aid and injury centers to offer help to victims of domestic violence.

Earlier this year, a TV series focusing on family violence was broadcast nationwide for several months to raise public awareness of the issue.

Domestic violence remains the most serious problem facing women and children in modern society. Latest statistics indicate that some 20 percent of Chinese families still harbor domestic violence.

Experts suggest that communities, medical services, families and individuals work together to prevent domestic violence by helping people unwind, adjust and become familiar with relevant psychological and legal information.

( China Daily July 26, 2002)