If you are in immediate danger, call 110 now. A personal safety protection order in China is a court order under the Anti-Domestic Violence Law that can prohibit an abuser from hurting, harassing, following or contacting you, and can order them to move out of your home. You apply to a people's court; the court generally rules within 72 hours, or within 24 hours in urgent cases. An order lasts up to six months and can be extended, and breaching it can lead to fines, detention or criminal liability.
You do not need to be filing for divorce to apply, you do not need a lawyer, and your safety comes first. This guide explains, as of 2026, how to get a personal safety protection order in China, step by step and in plain language.
Safety first: what to do right now
- Emergency: call 110. Police can respond immediately, record what happened and issue a warning letter (告诫书) to the abuser.
- Injuries: go to a hospital and tell staff how you were injured, so it is recorded.
- Somewhere safe: go to a trusted friend or relative, or ask the police, residents' committee or local women's federation about shelter options. The women's federation hotline is 12338.
- Documents: if you can do so safely, take your ID, passport, residence permit and phone with you.
If you are a foreign national, you can also contact your embassy or consulate for support.
What counts as domestic violence in China?
The Anti-Domestic Violence Law, in force since 2016, covers physical, psychological and other harm between family members — for example beating, restraining, injuring, restricting personal freedom, and frequent insults or threats. It also applies to people who live together but are not family members, such as cohabiting partners. You do not have to wait for serious physical injury: psychological abuse and threats count too.
Who can apply for a personal safety protection order
| Applicant | When |
|---|---|
| The victim | Anyone facing domestic violence, or a real risk of it |
| Close relatives, police, women's federations, residents' or villagers' committees and similar bodies | On the victim's behalf, where the victim lacks full capacity or cannot apply because of coercion, fear or similar reasons |
You apply to the people's court where you or the abuser live, or where the violence happened. You can apply on its own, or during divorce or other family proceedings. Courts generally do not charge a fee for a protection order application.
How to get a personal safety protection order: step by step
- Prepare a short written application. State who you are, who the abuser is, what happened and what you are asking the court to order. If you cannot write it, you may apply orally and court staff will record it.
- Gather the evidence you have (see below). You do not need perfect evidence — the court looks at whether you face domestic violence or a real danger of it.
- File at the court. Say clearly if the situation is urgent.
- The court decides quickly — generally within 72 hours, or 24 hours in urgent cases. It may ask you questions.
- Receive the order. Copies go to you, the abuser, the local police and the residents' or villagers' committee, which help with enforcement.
Evidence that helps
- Police records, call logs to 110 and any warning letter issued;
- hospital records, medical reports and photos of injuries;
- threatening messages, WeChat chats, voice notes or emails;
- photos or video of damaged property;
- statements from neighbours, relatives or witnesses;
- records from the residents' committee, women's federation or school;
- your own diary of incidents with dates.
Keep copies somewhere the abuser cannot reach, such as a cloud account with a new password or with a trusted person.
What the order can require
A personal safety protection order can include one or more of the following:
- prohibiting the respondent from committing domestic violence;
- prohibiting harassment, stalking or contact with you and your relatives;
- ordering the respondent to move out of your home;
- other measures needed to protect you.
It is valid for up to six months from the date it takes effect. You can apply to extend, change or cancel it before it expires.
What if the abuser breaches the order?
Report every breach to the police and your lawyer immediately. Depending on seriousness, the court can impose a fine or detention, and serious breaches can lead to criminal liability. Keep a record of each breach — it also matters for any later case.
Protection orders and divorce
A protection order is a separate procedure, but domestic violence is highly relevant if you later divorce. It is a statutory ground for divorce, can support a claim for divorce damages and is weighed when the court decides custody. If you are considering divorce, read contested divorce in China: what to expect.
Getting help if you are a foreigner or do not speak Chinese
Foreign nationals living in China are protected by the same law. A few practical points:
- When you call 110, say "domestic violence" and your address clearly; if needed, ask a neighbour or friend to help with Chinese.
- Your residence status is not a reason to stay silent. If you are worried about your visa after leaving a partner, get advice — support options exist.
- Courts work in Chinese, but you can bring an interpreter or a lawyer who speaks your language, and documents can be translated.
- If your children are foreign nationals too, tell the court and your embassy if you fear they may be taken out of China.
A bilingual lawyer can prepare the application, attend with you and speak to the court on your behalf.
Key takeaways
- In an emergency, call 110 first.
- A personal safety protection order is a court order under the 2016 Anti-Domestic Violence Law.
- Courts generally rule within 72 hours, or 24 hours in urgent cases.
- Orders last up to six months and can be extended; breaches can lead to fines, detention or criminal liability.
- Psychological abuse counts, and cohabiting partners are covered.
- You can apply without filing for divorce, and without a lawyer.
You can read more in our personal safety protection order glossary entry and on our domestic violence and protection orders page. If you would like help, contact us for a free, confidential consultation — we will talk to you on your terms and at a time that is safe for you.