Ningde, Fujian- Establishing a -Women’s Federation + Public Security- joint disposal mechanism to work together to build a strong line of defense against domestic violence

On October 17, in Ningde, China, a woman identified as Xie expressed her gratitude to local Women’s Federation staff, saying, “I’m now divorced, and I’ve managed to open my heart. Life has become peaceful and comfortable. I truly thank the Women’s Federation for their help; without you, I might have taken a much darker path.”

Looking back to September 20, Xie faced severe family issues that pushed her to contemplate suicide by jumping from a building. Fortunately, police arrived at the scene and, through emotional support and negotiation, successfully dissuaded her from taking that drastic step. They then accompanied her to seek help from the Ningde Women’s Federation.

Upon learning about her situation, the Women’s Federation’s rights department immediately coordinated with the local police station and marriage mediation committee to establish a joint mediation mechanism. After over two hours of negotiations, they were able to facilitate an agreement, allowing Xie and her husband to sign a divorce settlement, thus resolving a complicated situation.

This successful mediation is a testament to the effective collaboration between the Ningde Women’s Federation and law enforcement, showcasing their “Women’s Federation + Police” model. This year, the Women’s Federation has worked closely with police to create a system for addressing domestic violence cases and to strengthen measures for resolving marital conflicts, ultimately fostering family harmony and social stability.

Furthermore, the Women’s Federation has implemented a four-tiered protection system for women and children, encompassing city, county, town, and village levels. This approach pulls together “big data” on community sentiments while leveraging grassroots organizations like women’s councils and volunteer groups to conduct routine investigations and interventions regarding marital conflicts. In the first half of this year, they assessed 92 cases of domestic conflict and addressed each one, achieving a 100% success rate.

Additionally, quarterly meetings focused on preventing domestic violence allow both the Women’s Federation and law enforcement to discuss and share insights on reported cases to ensure timely resolutions. The integration of phone support services also enhances their response, guiding those in need to the appropriate resources.

With ongoing support from the community and law enforcement, the Ningde Women’s Federation has made strides in addressing domestic violence, issuing 93 warning letters and successfully mediating numerous cases of repeated domestic violence. They continue advocating for preventative measures, effective intervention, and support for women facing marital issues through their various specialized centers.

Looking ahead, a representative from the Women’s Federation stated that they will further strengthen their collaboration with local police and other organizations to enhance their response to domestic violence cases and facilitate community harmony.