China's top court has reaffirmed the vital role and enforceable legal authority of personal safety protection orders in addressing domestic violence, emphasizing that failure to comply will lead to legal repercussions.

The Supreme People's Court stressed on Monday that opposing all forms of domestic violence is a key indicator of societal progress and civilization, noting that over the past decade, the country has consistently strengthened its legal framework by implementing the personal safety protection order system within the Anti-Domestic Violence Law and issuing approximately 33,000 such orders.

Chen Yifang, chief judge of the top court's First Civil Division, underscored that these orders, similar to restraining orders in Western legal systems, are crucial for protecting victims of domestic violence from further harm.

"Ignoring these orders and causing additional harm not only victimizes individuals but also undermines judicial order and the authority of the rule of law," she said.

She referred to the law, reiterating that those who do not comply with the order will face penalties, including detention of up to 15 days and a fine of up to 1,000 yuan ($145). In serious cases, violators could face criminal charges.

In a notable case highlighted by the top court, a woman surnamed Wang sought a divorce from a man surnamed Zhang after suffering repeated domestic violence, with a personal safety protection order issued concurrently.

The local court explicitly prohibited Zhang from committing further acts of domestic abuse against Wang, as well as from stalking, harassing, or contacting her and her family members. The order also barred him from interfering with their normal activities, such as study, life, and work, and enlisted the local public security department, the women's federation, and the village committee to help enforce the order. Additionally, through court mediation, the couple divorced.

However, just a month after the order was issued, Zhang returned to Wang's residence and assaulted her and her relatives. After Wang reported the incident to the police, it was also discovered that Zhang had been using text messages to harass and threaten Wang.

Given Zhang's failure to comply with the order, the court decided to detain him for 15 days.

"A personal safety protection order is a legal document issued by courts, carrying significant legal weight," Chen explained. "This means that everyone must adhere to it strictly, and any violations can lead to legal consequences."

Domestic violence is not simply a "private family matter", but Ran Keping, the division's deputy chief judge, noted that many still view domestic abuse as a private issue, often confusing it with regular family disputes.

He referenced the law, pointing out that it defines domestic violence as physical or psychological harm inflicted by one family member on another through actions like beating, confinement, mutilation, deprivation of personal freedom, repeated verbal abuse, or intimidation. "In short, domestic violence is fundamentally about control or harm, typically ongoing, repetitive, and cyclical, rather than a one-time emotional outburst," he explained.

"Family disputes, however, usually involve parties on equal terms who can openly express their interests," he said, adding that these disputes are characterized by two-way communication conflicts.

Wang Dan, another judge from the division, clarified that in divorce cases where domestic violence is confirmed, Chinese courts will grant a divorce if the victim requests it. "We aim to deliver justice swiftly and in line with the law, ensuring the personal and property rights of domestic violence victims are strongly protected," she added.