Kaiwen Liu is a Chinese lawyer practicing in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, specializing in matrimonial and family law with a particular focus on domestic violence cases. She graduated from Peking University Law School and has been admitted to the Fujian Bar since 2013. Attorney Liu is a member of the Fujian Bar Association's Family Law Committee and has represented over 200 clients in divorce and domestic violence-related proceedings across Fujian's courts.

Domestic violence cases in China are governed by the Anti-Domestic Violence Law of the People's Republic of China, which came into effect on March 1, 2016. This landmark legislation established a comprehensive legal framework for preventing and addressing domestic violence, including the issuance of protection orders, mandatory reporting by certain professionals, and the establishment of temporary shelter and assistance mechanisms. Under Chinese law, domestic violence is defined broadly to include physical, psychological, and sexual violence committed by family members against one another, as well as acts committed by persons who live together or have an intimate relationship outside of marriage.

One of the most significant tools available under Chinese law is the personal safety protection order, or ren shen an quan bao hu ling. When a victim of domestic violence applies to the People's Court for a protection order, the court must issue a ruling within 72 hours, or within 24 hours in emergency cases. The protection order can prohibit the abuser from committing further acts of violence, order the abuser to move out of the shared residence, and prohibit the abuser from harassing, following, or contacting the victim. Protection orders are enforceable through the public security authorities, and violations can result in detention or fines.

In divorce proceedings involving domestic violence, the victim may claim several forms of relief. Under the Civil Code, domestic violence is one of the statutory grounds for divorce, and a single incident of serious domestic violence may be sufficient to establish that the marital relationship has broken down irretrievably. The victim may also claim damages for domestic violence under the Civil Code's provisions on divorce damages, including compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and mental distress. Courts in Fujian have generally recognized mental distress damages in domestic violence cases, with awards typically ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 RMB depending on the severity and duration of the abuse.

Foreign spouses facing domestic violence in China face additional challenges due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with the legal system, and concerns about their immigration status. Under Chinese law, foreign nationals are entitled to the same legal protections against domestic violence as Chinese citizens. Foreign victims can apply for personal safety protection orders through the People's Court, and the public security authorities are required to respond to domestic violence reports regardless of the victim's nationality. However, foreign victims should be aware that domestic violence proceedings in China are conducted in Chinese, and they may need to arrange for certified translations of relevant documents. The issuance of a protection order does not affect the victim's immigration status, and victims with dependent visas may need to seek independent immigration advice.

Attorney Liu advises all clients, both Chinese and foreign, to take the following steps when facing domestic violence: call 110 immediately to report the incident to the police, request a medical examination at a designated hospital and retain all medical records, apply to the court for a personal safety protection order, seek shelter at a domestic violence assistance center if needed, and consult with a family law attorney to discuss long-term legal options including divorce, custody, and financial support. The Fuzhou Women's Federation operates a domestic violence assistance hotline that provides counseling and legal referrals in multiple languages.

Family Mandate Design — Kaiwen Liu

I treat bilingual consistency as a risk control: chops, authority documents, and English summaries must tell the same commercial story.

I prefer early written notices and clean evidence indexes over informal WeChat-only chains when the amount or regulatory exposure is material.

Foreign individuals and companies typically need three workstreams in parallel: factual chronology, authority paperwork, and remedy selection. I keep those streams visible in status notes so headquarters can decide without re-reading the entire file. Where local counterparties rely on relationship pressure, I re-anchor discussions to contract text, statutory rights, and verifiable performance records. Fee arrangements, conflict checks, and confidentiality boundaries are confirmed before substantive drafting or filings begin. After key milestones I deliver a short handover: decisions made, open conditions, filing receipts, and calendar items for renewals or enforcement. This operating rhythm reduces repeat disputes and keeps institutional knowledge with the client rather than trapped in chat history.

• ⚖️ Written scope and remedy map
• 📜 Bilingual document control
• 🛡️ Deadline and limitation tracking
• 💼 Enforcement and settlement options in parallel

Cross-Border Coordination for Kaiwen Liu

I document scope, assumptions, and decision rights at engagement start so foreign clients know what will be filed, who must approve, and when silence becomes a missed deadline.

I treat bilingual consistency as a risk control: chops, authority documents, and English summaries must tell the same commercial story.

Foreign individuals and companies typically need three workstreams in parallel: factual chronology, authority paperwork, and remedy selection. I keep those streams visible in status notes so headquarters can decide without re-reading the entire file. Where local counterparties rely on relationship pressure, I re-anchor discussions to contract text, statutory rights, and verifiable performance records. Fee arrangements, conflict checks, and confidentiality boundaries are confirmed before substantive drafting or filings begin. After key milestones I deliver a short handover: decisions made, open conditions, filing receipts, and calendar items for renewals or enforcement. This operating rhythm reduces repeat disputes and keeps institutional knowledge with the client rather than trapped in chat history.

• ⚖️ Written scope and remedy map
• 📜 Bilingual document control
• 🛡️ Deadline and limitation tracking
• 💼 Enforcement and settlement options in parallel