A total of 17 provinces and autonomous regions in China have issued supporting policies for the country's first ever anti-domestic violence law, after it officially came into force on March 1, 2016. The news came during a symposium on domestic violence held by the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) on Nov. 24, one day before the 17th International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Supreme People's Court has given the judicial explanation that personal safety intervention orders can be an independent cause of action, and such orders have already been issued in many places. Meanwhile, regional procuratorates have initiated public prosecution of domestic abusers. In addition, neighborhood committees and relief organizations will provide shelter for the victims of domestic violence. In order to raise awareness of domestic violence, the ACWF and Ministry of Justice are jointly offering online courses.

Song Xiuyan, vice president of the Secretariat of the ACWF, hailed the positive progress, saying that women at all levels of society should keep promoting the efforts and providing support for those in need, so as to better protect the legal interests of women and children.