Husbands who beat their wives will be blacklisted at police station, and in this way the wives can be better protected from domestic violence, according to police in Deyang City, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The Jingqi Police Station in the city's downtown area recently set up a women's rights protection center where women in trouble and difficulty can go and complain about whatever they suffer, from husbands' mistreatment to being sold fake products.

For those blacklisted husbands, including men often beating their wives, drinking alcohol and gambling, staff from the police station will be watchful of them and help them amend their way of violence.

The center also offers psychological counseling for women, helping them resolve family disputes and emotional problems. They can speak about anything they suffer and the center will take their complaints and help come up with a solution.

Women asking for help can speak on condition of anonymity if they want, police officials said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2004)