More help needed

Yu, the Beijing lawyer, compares domestic violence to an illness, and thinks that both victims and perpetrators should see doctors for treatment.

"The law is just one channel where victims can find solutions. Psychological and social services are also important and may play bigger roles in helping them," she said.

Liu Yongting agreed that providing medical care and psychological help for perpetrators is necessary.

"Some perpetrators are used to solving family conflicts through violence because their parents inflicted it on them," she said.

"Harming others must attract blame and punishment, but the punishment, no matter if it be detention, a fine or more severe penalty, may not rid perpetrators of their habit, as many don't know the original source of the violence and how to solve family disputes sensibly."

Many countries and regions worldwide have stepped up efforts to help perpetrators of domestic violence stop their abuse, providing them with education and training sessions. They also offer more protection to victims and encourage them to speak out.

China is paying close attention to psychological help for perpetrators, but Liu Yongting said an insufficient number of institutions are qualified to provide such services.

To attract additional professional talent to help offer solutions to domestic disputes, she suggested that governments at all levels draft more specific rules and regulations to promote law enforcement.

"I also think there is an urgent need to introduce the protection orders, reporting mechanism and shelter services to people from all walks of life via different channels, such as short-video platforms, which will contribute to making these measures more effective," she added.

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