LET ME HELP YOU: Workers from the Women's Federation of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, offer advice to residents at an activity marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, 2005 (SUN ZHONGNAN)
"Before, we thought it's rural areas and the lower classes that have a higher incidence of domestic violence," Liu said. "But actually many urban women report being beaten by their well-educated husbands who are doctors, professors or other qualified professionals. That means domestic violence in China not only has an economic dimension but is a more ingrained cultural phenomenon."
Liu admits domestic violence in China is still regarded as a family issue, something not to be discussed outside the home.
This is echoed by Cesar Chelala, an international public health consultant, who published an article in China Daily last October.
"Cultural, economic and social factors such as shame and fear of retaliation from their partners are the cause of women's reluctance to denounce these acts. As in other countries, domestic violence in China is not only widespread, but also considered a private matter, which makes it very difficult for women to get a proper response from the police and the judiciary," said Chelala in the article.
Chelala also said physically tortured women are more susceptible to a variety of health problems such as depression, suicide, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of the women victims of homicide around the world are killed by their current or former husbands or boyfriends.
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