Your safety comes first
If you are in immediate danger, call 110 now. The police in mainland China respond to domestic violence calls, and a police record can later support your case.
If you need to leave this page quickly, use the Quick exit button at the top of the screen. It takes you to a neutral website. Consider using a private or incognito browser window, and a device your partner cannot access.
You are not to blame for what is happening, and you do not need to have everything worked out before you talk to someone. This page explains how a domestic violence protection order in China works, what other protection is available, and how we can help — confidentially and at your pace.
What counts as domestic violence under Chinese law?
The Anti-Domestic Violence Law (in force since 2016) covers physical, psychological and other harm between family members, including:
- Hitting, kicking, strangling, restraining or other physical abuse
- Threats, intimidation, constant insults and verbal abuse
- Restricting your freedom, such as locking you in or controlling where you go
- Psychological abuse such as stalking or harassment
The law also applies to people who live together without being married. Children who witness violence are also recognised as being harmed.
Domestic violence protection orders in China
What a personal safety protection order can do
A personal safety protection order (人身安全保护令) is a court order. Depending on your circumstances, it can:
- Prohibit the abuser from committing domestic violence against you
- Prohibit harassment, stalking and contact with you and your relatives
- Order the abuser to move out of your home
- Include other measures needed to protect your safety
How quickly it is decided
You, or in some cases someone on your behalf, apply to the People's Court. You do not need to file for divorce first. The court must rule within 72 hours, or within 24 hours in urgent cases. An order lasts up to 6 months and can be extended or varied on application.
What happens if it is breached
Violating a protection order is serious. Courts can impose fines or detention, and serious violations can lead to criminal liability. If the order is breached, call 110 and tell your lawyer.
Police warning letters
Where the violence is less serious, the police can issue a warning letter (告诫书) to the abuser. It is a formal record that the violence happened, and courts can take it into account as evidence in protection-order, divorce and custody proceedings.
Evidence: what helps
You do not need perfect evidence to seek help, but the following is useful when it is safe to collect:
- Police reports and records of 110 calls
- Medical records and photos of injuries, taken as soon as possible
- Threatening messages, voice notes or emails — back them up somewhere your partner cannot reach
- Witnesses: neighbours, family members, friends
- Records from women's federations, residents' committees or social workers
- A private diary with dates and details
Never put yourself at extra risk to collect evidence.
Planning to leave safely
If you are thinking about leaving, a little preparation can make it safer:
- Keep your passport, ID card, hukou booklet, children's documents and bank cards somewhere you can reach quickly, or leave copies with someone you trust
- Set aside some cash and a spare phone charger
- Agree a code word with a friend or relative that means "call the police"
- Know where you could go for a few nights — family, friends or a shelter; local women's federations can often point you to support services
Foreign nationals may also contact their embassy or consulate, which can often provide lists of local support services and help with lost or withheld passports.
Divorce, custody and property
Domestic violence is a statutory ground for divorce under Article 1079 of the Civil Code. It is also relevant to:
- Custody — courts consider the child's safety and best interests, and violence by a parent weighs heavily (child custody)
- Divorce damages — the non-abusive spouse may claim damages under Article 1091
- Property division — courts consider the interests of the no-fault party (Art. 1087)
- Visitation — can be restricted or suspended if it would harm the child
Confidentiality
Everything you tell us is confidential. We can agree safe ways to contact you — a particular phone number, time of day or messaging app — and we will never contact you in a way you have not approved. We can also discuss asking the court to keep your address confidential.
How we help
- Urgent protection order applications, prepared quickly and filed with the right court
- Safety-first planning with you, including how to leave safely and where support is available
- Evidence organisation, including police and medical records
- Divorce and custody proceedings led by our contested divorce team
- Support in English and Chinese, including for foreign nationals who may feel isolated in China
What to do next
If you are in danger, call 110. When it is safe, contact us for a free, confidential 30-minute consultation, or read our guide to protection orders.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a protection order for domestic violence in China?
You apply to the People's Court with whatever evidence you have, such as police records, medical records or threatening messages. You do not need to file for divorce first. The court rules within 72 hours, or within 24 hours in urgent cases.
How long does a personal safety protection order last?
Up to six months. It can be extended or varied if you apply to the court, for example if the risk continues or the abuser breaches the order.
What happens if my partner breaks the protection order?
Call 110 and tell your lawyer. The court can fine or detain a person who violates a protection order, and serious violations can lead to criminal liability.
Does China's domestic violence law protect unmarried couples?
Yes. The Anti-Domestic Violence Law applies to people who live together as well as to family members, so a cohabiting partner can also apply for a protection order.
Can I get a protection order in China as a foreigner?
Yes. The protection is available to anyone experiencing domestic violence in mainland China, regardless of nationality. We can help you prepare the application in Chinese and explain each step in English.
Does domestic violence affect custody in a Chinese divorce?
Yes. Courts decide custody by the child's best interests, and violence by a parent weighs heavily against that parent. It is also a statutory ground for divorce and can support a claim for divorce damages.
Domestic Violence & Protection Orders by city
Related guides
How to Get a Personal Safety Protection Order in China
If you are experiencing domestic violence in China, a personal safety protection order can legally keep the abuser away. Here is who can apply, what evidence helps and how fast courts act.
Read the guideVisitation Rights in China: Making a Contact Schedule Work (and Enforcing It)
Visitation rights in China belong to every non-custodial parent. How to draft a contact schedule that works, what to do when the other parent blocks contact, and when visitation can be suspended.
Read the guideChina Divorce Law: A Complete Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know about divorce law in China as of 2026: the two divorce routes, grounds, whether China has no-fault divorce or alimony, custody, child support, property, foreign-related cases, costs and timelines.
Read the guide