China's Domestic Violence Crisis: A Woman's Desperate Fight for Freedom
A woman surnamed Tan in Chongqing was violently attacked by her husband Ye at their fruit shop on May 31st, in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and discussions about domestic violence in China. The attack, captured on surveillance cameras, showed Ye repeatedly knocking Tan to the ground despite their 7-year-old son crying and begging him to stop. This incident is not an isolated event, but rather the latest in a long history of domestic violence that Tan has suffered at the hands of her husband.
3 June 2025
The couple first married in 2017, but their union was marked by multiple instances of domestic violence, leading to their divorce in 2018. After the divorce, Tan was granted custody of their son and raised him alone for several years without any child support from Ye. However, in 2022, when their son started school, Ye began to threaten Tan, stating he would cause trouble at the school if she did not remarry him. Under coercion and threats, Tan was forced to remarry Ye in February 2023. After remarrying, Ye demanded living expenses from Tan, further entrenching his control over her.
The latest incident of violence was triggered when Tan took their son to stay at her parents' home for one night without Ye's permission. This act of independence was seen as a provocation by Ye, who responded with violence. The medical diagnosis after the attack showed that Tan suffered a "closed head injury (mild) and multiple soft tissue injuries." The fact that their young son was a witness to this violence has particularly troubled the public, highlighting the disturbing nature of the incident and the long-lasting effects it could have on the child.
The police responded to the incident by issuing a domestic violence warning letter to Ye on June 1st and informed Tan that she could apply for a protection order. However, the legal response has been criticized for being inadequate, with many pointing out the disparity in punishment between assaulting a stranger and domestic violence. While assaulting a stranger can lead to detention, domestic violence cases often result in mere warnings, as seen in Tan's case. This disparity underscores the legal system's insufficient response to domestic violence, with current preventive mechanisms and early intervention systems proving inadequate.
The case of Tan and Ye also demonstrates how children are often used as leverage in abusive relationships, with the abuser threatening to cause trouble at the school to coerce Tan into remarrying. Economic dependency and social pressure continue to trap women in abusive relationships, with traditional family values sometimes prioritizing maintaining marriage over women's safety. The incident reflects ongoing challenges in implementing China's Anti-Domestic Violence Law, with police tendancy to treat domestic violence as 'family disputes' rather than criminal behavior, and a lack of effective protection mechanisms for victims even after they report violence.
The public reaction to the incident has been one of strong outrage and concern, with many emphasizing the need for zero tolerance towards domestic violence. Commenters on social media have criticized the weak legal consequences for domestic violence, expressed concern about victim coercion, and encouraged Tan to proceed with divorce and not compromise again. The recognition of escalating danger in such cases, where the abuser's actions could potentially lead to more severe violence, has also been a point of discussion. The overall sentiment strongly supports the victim and shows increasing public awareness about the serious nature of domestic violence, while also revealing frustration with what many see as inadequate legal protections for victims.
Tan has decided to divorce again, stating she will no longer tolerate the abuse. The police are investigating Ye's actions and will handle the case according to law if violations are confirmed. Legal experts have identified Ye as the perpetrator of violence, and there is a growing call for stronger enforcement of existing domestic violence laws, better victim protection systems, and reform in how law enforcement handles domestic violence cases. Additionally, there is a need for more comprehensive support systems for single parents to prevent forced reunifications and to protect victims of domestic violence. The case highlights the need for public awareness and social change, recognizing that domestic violence is a pattern that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to combat.
