COVID-19 Domestic Violence Country Updates: China
Friday, May 1, 2020 3:25 PM

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As stay at home orders have been put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of domestic violence cases has risen worldwide.
Survivors in China face a growing number of barriers due to the pandemic. Statistics indicate that 90% of recent cases of violence against women were related to the pandemic. Police do not always take domestic violence cases seriously and are reluctant to detain perpetrators due to health concerns. Moreover, courts prioritize family harmony, keeping survivors stuck in dangerous situations. Despite these problems, non-profits in China have published special manuals instructing survivors on how to better protect themselves during the lockdown and directing them to online legal aid. Courts continue to offer online services for divorce proceedings through WeChat.
 

The Advocates for Human Rights is closely monitoring the new challenges justice systems actors are facing in addressing domestic violence and sexual violence under the coronavirus situation and providing accurate, up-to-date information on violence against women around the world. Learn more at https://buff.ly/37xbPWf. If you or a loved one is in need of help, call the Day One Hotline at 1-866-223-1111, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483.