A real case: a man who was abused

Mr Qi in Jilin City is 1.8 metres tall. Less than a month after marrying, he was repeatedly abused by his wife, who even threatened him with implements; he was too frightened to go home. Eventually he could take no more and called the police.

We see more and more cases like this. The traditional view is that “domestic violence = men against women”, but cases of women abusing men are rising.

An extreme case

In January 2024, a couple in Chongqing had a fierce argument over their daughter’s schooling: the wife believed the father was to blame for the daughter failing a Chinese exam. The conflict escalated again the next morning, and the wife attacked her husband with an implement, killing him.

Even more shocking, a friend of the wife said publicly in a group chat that “she is a good mother” — public opinion of this kind puts enormous psychological pressure on victims of domestic violence.

The Anti-Domestic Violence Law applies both ways

The Anti-Domestic Violence Law of the PRC, in force since 2016, defines domestic violence as “physical, mental and other harm inflicted between family members by beating, binding, injuring, restricting personal freedom, frequent verbal abuse, intimidation and similar means” — the text does not limit the victim’s gender.

That means:

  • A man beaten by his wife can apply for a personal safety protection order.
  • A man verbally abused and intimidated by his wife can call the police.
  • A man subjected to long-term psychological abuse by his wife can sue for divorce and claim damages.
  • In serious cases, the abuser can be held criminally liable (maltreatment, intentional injury).

“Self-harm” domestic violence: a hidden form of abuse

We handled a case in which a wife repeatedly used threats of self-harm and suicide to force her husband to comply. On the surface the wife appeared to be the “victim”, but in reality it was another form of domestic violence.

In practice, self-harm coercion is hard to establish and requires considering:

  • the frequency and severity of the self-harm;
  • the link between the self-harm and controlling the other person;
  • whether coercive language was used;
  • whether there is witness testimony or video evidence.

Applying for a personal safety protection order

The personal safety protection order is a mechanism created by the Anti-Domestic Violence Law. It can:

  • prohibit the respondent from committing domestic violence;
  • prohibit harassment, stalking and contact;
  • order the respondent to move out of the residence;
  • impose other measures to protect the applicant’s safety.

Conditions:

  • a clearly identified respondent (a family member or someone living with the applicant);
  • specific requests, facts and reasons;
  • some evidence of past domestic violence or a real risk of it.

Where to apply: the basic-level court where the applicant or respondent lives or where the violence occurred.

Time limit: the court must rule within 72 hours, or within 24 hours in an emergency.

Gathering evidence

  • Police reports and statements
  • Medical diagnoses and photos of injuries
  • Audio or video recordings of the abuse
  • Witness statements (neighbours, relatives, friends, eyewitnesses)
  • Written or WeChat promises by the abuser
  • Mediation records from the Women’s Federation or neighbourhood committee

Myths cleared up

Myth 1: “A man being hit isn’t domestic violence.” Wrong. Everyone is equal before the law.

Myth 2: “Family shame shouldn’t be aired.” Wrong. Silence only lets violence escalate.

Myth 3: “Women can’t abuse men.” Wrong. Domestic violence knows no gender.

Myth 4: “You can’t fight back when hit.” Wrong. Legitimate self-defense should be supported.

Myth 5: “Put up with it for the children.” Wrong. A violent home harms children far more than divorce.

How Wang Xin’s team can help

  • Applications for personal safety protection orders
  • Divorce litigation involving domestic violence
  • Damages for domestic violence
  • Criminal complaints for maltreatment and intentional injury
  • Establishing self-harm coercion and psychological abuse
  • Cross-border domestic violence cases

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the police immediately and contact Wang Xin: phone +86 186-0113-9509, WeChat wang223040.

Quick answers

Does China’s Anti-Domestic Violence Law protect men?
Yes. The law defines domestic violence as physical or mental harm between family members through beating, binding, injuring, restricting freedom, or frequent abuse and intimidation, without limiting the victim’s gender.
How quickly does a Chinese court decide on a personal safety protection order?
Within 72 hours of application, or within 24 hours in an emergency.
What evidence helps prove domestic violence in China?
Police reports and statements, medical records and injury photos, audio or video of the abuse, witness statements, written or WeChat promises by the abuser, and mediation records from the Women’s Federation or neighbourhood committee.

This is an English edition of Wang Xin’s original Chinese article, 女性家暴男性也能认定！现实案例与法律突破. It explains the law of the People’s Republic of China in general terms and is not legal advice for any particular case; outcomes depend on the specific facts and on how local authorities apply the rules.