Friday marks the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women. The All-China Women's Federation says more than 40,000 cases of domestic violence against women are filed every year, and most half of them end up in divorce.

At this help centre located in Beijing's Dong-si-qi-tiao, we found Mrs. Li. She and her husband just got married and moved to work in Beijing from rural China. But she has no happy memories of her honeymoon.

She's been beaten by her husband frequently during the past six moths. She doesn't have the courage to face camera, but at least she decides to speak to the social worker at the help center.

Wang Haiying, social worker of Help Center said "Women come to talk to us. At least two of them end up divorcing because of domestic violence every month. We listen to them with patience, face the difficulties with them and try to find solutions."

Victim like Mrs Li is not alone. According to All-China's Women Federation, almost 25% of women have experienced various levels of domestic violence within their marriages in China.

The government is stepping in. In Changsha city, Hunan province, the local authority has issued over 30 restraining orders aimed at protecting domestic violence victims.

More cities such as Guangzhou, Chongqing are also starting to issue such orders. Experts say this is one step forward but the victims need to speak out and fight for their own rights.

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