Chinese police can use text message evidence in crackdown on domestic violence

A new mechanism will allow government agencies to work together and help victims of domestic violence, state media says

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Chinese state media says domestic violence guidelines issued by nine government agencies will regulate procedures and measures in a police warning system. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Published: 2:58pm, 10 Dec 2024Updated: 6:47pm, 10 Dec 2024

Video and audio recordings, text messages, testimony from children or neighbours, and medical records can now be used by police as evidence in domestic violence cases in China under new national guidelines.

The guidelines were issued by nine government agencies – including the Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme People’s Court and the All-China Women’s Federation – and come eight years after the Anti-Domestic Violence Law came into effect.

They regulate the way police can issue warning letters to abusers, the official People’s Daily reported on Monday.

The guidelines set out the specific circumstances for issuing a police warning, the content of the warning letter and procedures to be followed.

The letters are more serious than verbal warnings and can be used as evidence in court.

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In domestic violence cases, police can use testimony from the perpetrators and victims if there is no disagreement. However, if the accused disputes the allegations, officers can collect medical records, phone messages or any previously written words from the perpetrator as evidence, according to the report.