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Verbal abuse is form of domestic violence: Shanxi authorities

Verbal violence was included in the definition of domestic violence, according to a domestic violence law released by the Justice Department of Shanxi Province a week ago.

Public opinions on the law are being solicited until April 19.

Domestic violence refers to any infringement, physically or mentally, among family members including beating, trussing, injuring or killing and limiting personal freedom, as well as constant verbal abuse and intimidation, the law says.

The law is also applicable to cohabitants, including parties in the relationship, adoption, foster care and entrusted guardianship. 

(Photos: VCG)

Victims and their legal agents and close relatives can inform the police or file a lawsuit in the People's Court.

The law also states that domestic violence offenders will be given administrative punishments. Offenders whose acts constitute a crime shall be investigated for criminal responsibility.

Victims have the right to require public security organs to issue a warning to offenders when the circumstances are minor or when offenders take the initiative to remove or lessen the adverse effects, and seek the victim's forgiveness, according to the law.

To ensure that domestic violence will not be repeated, public security organs should follow up on the offenders and victims after the warning statement is issued.

Local resident committee organizations must also get involved by making frequent visits to the family and supervise the offenders.

Governments at the county or municipal level are urged to set up temporary shelters and help domestic violence victims.

The law also encourages governments to provide services, including mental health counseling, psychological intervention and behavior correction of offenders and guidance on family relations from nongovernmental sectors.

The law provides that anti-domestic violence should be incorporated into education in schools, enterprises, organizations and communities.

Staff in schools, kindergartens, medical institutions, residential committees, social services agencies and welfare institutions should report to the police when they find or suspect a case of domestic violence which involves people who have no or have limited capacity for civil conduct. According to the law, units and individuals that fail to report the police will be punished when there are severe consequences.

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And that’s People’s Daily Tonight. Thanks for joining us.

(Produced by Chi Jingyi; text from People's Daily app)