China domestic abuse complaints rise 70 per cent

BEIJING, July 20 (Reuters) China is to give its police more guidance on handling domestic violence after complaints of abuse in the home rose 70 per cent, Chinese media reported today.

The guidelines would be issued by the China Women Federation, Ministry of Public Security and eight other ministries, the Beijing News said.

''When dealing with family violence, the federation feels powerless and helpless,'' an official was quoted as saying.

In the last two years, the China Women Federation had received about 50,000 complaints of domestic violence, up 70 per cent on the earlier two years, it said, citing the deputy chairman of the federation, Mo Wenxiu.

It did not give a reason for the rise, but analysts said it was probably due both to increased violence and to increased awareness of avenues for seeking help.

''Over the years, police have not had the legal basis to intervene in family cases,'' a public security officer was quoted as saying.

China had laws and regulations concerning domestic violence, but lacked details for prevention and punishment, the newspaper said.

''Under the new policy, police who respond slowly or fail to respond to family violence complaints will face punishment,'' a public security official was quoted as saying.

REUTERS AM VV1054