Check would-be spouse's domestic violence record before marrying

Yiwu, a city in Zhejiang province, on Monday established the country's first marriage registration query system, allowing prospective brides and grooms to access their would-be spouse's domestic violence record.

The system comes into effect from July 1. An applicant can apply for the record, if any, after providing personal identification information for the marriage registration office and signing a confidentiality letter. The authorities have to approve their request before they get access to the record.

Domestic violence record refers to a person's record of legal punishment for committing domestic violence, restrictions on movements to safeguard other people's personal safety and/or administrative detention. Such records do not constitute privacy; a would-be spouse has the right to access them as domestic violence can endanger his or her safety and rights. Most foreign countries have a system in place for publicizing information about crimes of violent and/or sexual nature committed by people.

But those applying for such records should not use them illegally. Also, the domestic violence record system will get dynamically updated to guarantee authenticity and accuracy of information.

On social networking sites, this innovative enquiry system has earned praise.

The Civil Code prescribes a cooling off period before a divorce to check impulsive divorces. A debate is now on whether people should also avoid impulsive marriages to prevent the problems that could arise. Knowing if a would-be spouse has a domestic violence record is the legal right of anybody planning to get married.

And the enquiry system will ensure people do not rush into a "wrong marriage" by not analyzing the past conduct of their spouse to be. Legal experts also suggest expansion of the scope of domestic violence record to include all cases, even if injuries were not of serious nature to merit detention or sentencing.

All such measures should go a long way to ensure that individuals live happily ever after.