Harbin City would impose new rules on domestic violence and women’s rights starting November 1.

The move was after other Chinese cities including Shenzhen, Jinan, Guangzhou, Changchun and Qingdao also implemented rules on women’s protection and rights.

The Guangzhou Daily reported the new regulation in Harbin would cover cold and hunger, confinement and mental intimidation among women. The report also said domestic violence, online triggered debates and denial of financial support would also be covered.

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Meanwhile, some netizens said the new rules should cover all residents regardless of gender.

An online debate was ignited after the new rule was announced to commence on November. Netizens argued that it has already been a custom wherein women control the household budget. They also asked that if women refused to give their husbands money, would the court consider that domestic violence as well?

However, House Judiciary Committee chairman Gong Lixin said more than 90% of domestic violence victims in Harbin are women. He further explained the background of the new law.

On the other hand, women’s rights expert Zhao Sile said the new Harbin law showed social consensus which is a very good improvement. Zhao also added domestic violence is a serious case in China where 24.7% women are affected. She also said economic violence background showed men earning more than what women earn. A related survey was cited showing women working in cities get around two thirds of what men earn.

The women’s rights expert also added confiscating a wife’s credit card can be seen as an economic hindrance. However, if the wife has been diagnosed with mental illness and cannot control spending, a judgment is considerable.

Zhao also pointed out that if a wife refuses to give her husband money, this can also be regarded as domestic violence. She also said family equality should be respected to limit this kind of domestic violence.

TagsHarbin, Guangzhou, Changchun, Qingdao, Jinan, Guangzhou Daily, House Judiciary Committee, Gong Lixin, Zhao Sile, domestic violence, women's rights protection