Factors associated with formal help-seeking for domestic violence in urban China

Abstract

The promulgation and implementation of the China Anti-Domestic Violence Law have effectively solved many problems related to domestic violence at the legislative level, but the law received no clear feedback when implemented in specific communities. This study aims to examine factors associated with formal help-seeking for domestic violence in urban China. This study mainly collected survey data in a neighbourhood community in Y City, Guangdong Province of China. A total of 1,062 valid samples were used for analysis. Our findings demonstrate the awareness of the definition, nature, types and harm of domestic violence, the perception regarding the propaganda and the implementation of domestic violence, and the influence of individual experience of domestic violence have impacts on the intention to seek formal help. However, the traditional cultural perspective is not associated with the intention to seek formal help. Policymakers and practitioners should vigorously promote anti-domestic violence laws and related projects to inform people about domestic violence and improve the implementation of anti-domestic violence policies and programmes.