Call for action on domestic violence

Women's rights campaigners have urged authorities to heed growing calls for a speedy introduction of a dedicated law on domestic violence.

In an open letter, Gender and Development in China said legislators should encourage participation and supervision from the public and grassroots organizations.

The letter, addressed to the National People's Congress Standing Committee, was published on Sunday, the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Gender and Development in China, a Beijing website focused on gender equality, said it aims to collect 10,000 signatures on a petition demanding the legislation process be quicker and more transparent. So far it has collected around 2,500 signatures, the group said.

The letter also called for the NPC Standing Committee to make public what work has been done so far, and proposed giving more resources to grassroots organizations to participate in the fight against domestic violence.

Li Yueyang, director of the legal department at the All China Women's Federation, said a poll of more than 1,000 people in 20 provinces last year found 93.5 percent support the introduction of a domestic violence law.

The standing committee has included making a dedicated law in its legislative agenda this year, she said at a symposium in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Saturday.