Responses to Domestic Violence in Bangladesh and China: The Role of the State and Women’s Movements

China and Bangladesh have always had issues with domestic abuse, but up until recently, the authorities paid little attention to it. Before that, it was considered a normal aspect of family life. Since the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, domestic violence in China and Bangladesh has drawn a lot of attention. Women's groups and movements, civil society, political parties, as well as state and non-state actors, have come to an understanding of the necessity of stepping up efforts, allocating resources, changing societal attitudes, and amending legislative frameworks. To enhance judicial and law enforcement responses to domestic abuse, a number of important measures have been put in place. In addition to examining domestic violence responses in Bangladesh and China, this chapter also looks at the legislative roles played by state and non-state actors. Domestic violence is common and perceived as a private concern rather than a subject of public policy in both communities and cultures. Governments are under pressure to enact legislation against domestic abuse from non-governmental organizations and women's groups. In 2010, Bangladesh passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (DVPPA), and China adopted its first anti-domestic violence law (ADVL) in March 2016. This statute provides legal protections for victims of domestic violence. This chapter examines the contributions that state and non-state actors have made to the DVPPA and ADVL legislative processes. Beginning with a brief explanation of domestic violence, current policy initiatives, and the effects of various socioeconomic and cultural elements on various stakeholders, this chapter moves on to discuss current policy initiatives.