Cold wars at home as mental cruelty has become latest weapon of abuse

In China, people wanting a divorce can get usually one amicably and without resorting to the courts except for complex cases involving disputes over blame or the division of property and custody of children, the courts are the final arbiters.

Out of 311 suits filed in connection with divorces in Fangshan district court last year, only 63 couples ended up going through the full process in court.

A research report issued by the court said that of the 248 remaining cases, 188 cases were withdrawn by couples preferring to resolve their disputes privately or by couples who reconciled.