Association offers legal aid for over 7,000 women

BEIJING - China's largest women's association offered legal aid to over 7,000 applicants in 2012, according to new figures.

The majority of the cases involved domestic violence, marriage and family disputes, according to Song Xiuyan, vice-president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF).

The ACWF also received and handled about 15,000 petitions and calls from women across the country last year, said Song at a conference of the ACWF's executive committee on Thursday.

She noted that the organization's work has helped protect the interests of women and children while promoting social harmony and stability.

Also in 2012, the ACWF worked with the top legislature in research related to a separate law on domestic violence and in drafting rules for better protection for women in the workplace, said Song.

A 2007 ACWF survey indicated that domestic violence had taken place in 30 percent of China's 270 million households, with about 85 percent of the victims being female.

Up to 100,000 couples divorced due to domestic violence, according to the survey.

Song also reviewed the ACWF's achievements in helping women get trained or become employed or self-employed.

Since 2009, government-subsidized loans have been granted to 2.3 million female applicants wishing to start up their own businesses, said the ACWF vice president.

In 2013, the ACWF will seek new breakthroughs in promoting legislation on anti-domestic violence, family education and rural women's land interests, she added.