BEIJING, June 8 -- Chinese courts sentenced 876 offenders to five years or more in prison, or even death last year for crimes against women and children, a government document revealed on Monday.

These criminals were convicted in 1,048 cases involving the kidnapping of women and children and sexual assault on minors in 2014, according to a white paper released by the Information Office of the State Council.

China has always handed out severe punishment to offenders in order to better protect the rights of women and children. It has also made efforts in forming more effective laws and systems for them.

By the end of 2014, a total of 29 provincial regions had enacted local regulations and policies to prevent and deter domestic violence. A draft national Anti-domestic Violence Law was also published to solicit public opinions.

A new regulation was released in December to prevent the guardians of the minors from infringing up their rights and interests, the paper said, adding the nation is exploring a protection network for minors which stresses the joint participation of the family, social organizations and the government.