A new draft of China's first domestic violence law now requires social workers, in addition to doctors and teachers, to blow the whistle on abuse cases and suspected victims.
According to the draft, which is tabled for a second reading by the National People's Congress Standing Committee's bimonthly session, "any form of domestic violence will be strictly prohibited in China."
Workers at kindergartens, schools, medical institutions, social service organs and welfare centers must report suspected cases of domestic violence involving those with no or limited civil capacity for civil conduct found at work to police, the new draft read.
A previous version only stipulated that doctors and teachers bear such responsibilities.
Should they fail to do so, the workers will be held liable for punishment in cases that lead to serious consequences together with those in charge of the institutions concerned and their superior organs.
It did not specify the punishments, but added that police will protect the privacy of whistleblowers.
