A stepping stone or a missed opportunity?

Critics say a draft law to combat abuse within families fails to address the main issues, and offers little protection for victims, as Cao Yin reports.

Chen Wei was disappointed when she read the draft of China's first proposed law against domestic violence.

"The definition of domestic violence and the measures to protect victims in the draft are vague and limited. They won't help to reduce abuse within the family and prevent people, especially women, from being attacked," said Chen, a lawyer who specializes in resolving marital disputes.