Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Suzhou

About Domestic Violence Law in Suzhou, China

Domestic violence in Suzhou is governed primarily by national law, supported by local government and social service agencies for implementation and assistance. The Anti-Domestic Violence Law of the People’s Republic of China (effective 2016) defines domestic violence to include physical and psychological abuse that occurs among people who have family relations - for example spouses, cohabitants, parents and children, and other household members. The law requires public security organs, courts, hospitals, civil affairs departments, and grassroots organizations to provide coordinated protection and assistance.

In practice, Suzhou applies the national framework through its public security bureau, local courts, the Suzhou Women’s Federation and social service agencies. Remedies under the law include police intervention, emergency protection measures, civil protection orders issued by courts, criminal prosecution for serious harm, and civil claims for compensation in some situations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Domestic violence cases often involve a mix of criminal, civil and family law issues. A lawyer can help you in many common situations - including when you need to ensure your immediate safety and the safety of children, when you want a protection order, or when you are pursuing criminal charges for assault or injury.

Lawyers are also useful if you are pursuing divorce, child custody, visitation rights or property division that are affected by abuse. They can help gather and preserve evidence, prepare and submit applications to courts or police, communicate with government agencies, and represent you at hearings or in negotiations. If you are a foreign national, or if the other party is, a lawyer can help with cross-border questions, immigration implications and coordinating with consular services.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks relevant in Suzhou include the Anti-Domestic Violence Law, the Criminal Law, and the Civil Code - especially the sections on marriage, divorce, child custody and property. Together these laws provide a range of legal tools:

- Police emergency measures and intervention. Public security organs can act immediately if there is ongoing danger. They can separate parties, issue warnings and handle criminal investigations when an offense may have occurred.

- Court-issued protection orders. Victims can apply to the people’s court for protection orders. Courts may restrict contact, require the abuser to stay away from the victim’s residence, prohibit harassment or stalking, and impose other measures. Emergency or temporary protection can be issued quickly in urgent cases.

- Criminal remedies. For intentional injury, intentional homicide, sexual violence, or other crimes, the criminal justice system can prosecute the abuser. Evidence such as medical records and forensic reports is important for criminal cases.

- Civil remedies. Victims may seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages and emotional damage, and may raise abuse as a factor in divorce, custody and property division proceedings.

- Legal aid and social services. Qualified victims can apply for legal aid from government legal aid centers. Local women’s federations, community service centers and social work organizations provide counseling, shelter placement and assistance with administrative procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly counts as domestic violence under the law?

Domestic violence includes physical violence such as hitting, beating and other forms of physical harm, and psychological violence such as repeated verbal abuse, threats, stalking or coercive control that seriously affects the victim’s mental or physical health. The law covers family members and people in intimate relationships, including spouses and cohabitants.

What should I do right away if I am in immediate danger?

If you are in immediate danger, call emergency police at 110. Try to move to a safe place if possible. If you need medical attention, go to a hospital and request a medical record and, if appropriate, a forensic medical examination to document injuries. Preserve any evidence you can - photographs, messages, voice recordings and witness names.

How do I get a protection order and what can it do?

You can apply to the local people’s court for a protection order. Courts can issue measures such as prohibiting the abuser from contacting you, ordering the abuser to stay away from your residence or workplace, and requiring the abuser to stop harassment. In urgent situations, the police or the court can implement emergency protection measures quickly. A lawyer or legal aid attorney can help prepare the paperwork and represent you.

Can the police arrest the abuser?

Yes. If the abuse involves criminal behavior - for example intentional injury, sexual assault or serious threats - the public security organ can detain and investigate the suspect and may arrest them according to criminal procedure law. Even when the conduct is not criminal, police can separate the parties, issue warnings and take administrative measures when appropriate.

What evidence is most useful in a domestic violence case?

Useful evidence includes medical records and forensic examination reports, photographs of injuries, screenshots of threatening messages or calls, witness statements, police reports, and any other documentation showing a pattern of abuse. Notarization of key electronic evidence or preservation requests through the police or court can strengthen a case.

Can I get free legal help in Suzhou?

Yes. If you meet financial or eligibility criteria, you may apply for government legal aid through the Suzhou legal aid center or court legal aid offices. Many organizations and the local women’s federation can also refer you to pro bono lawyers and social services that assist victims of domestic violence.

I am not married to the abuser - can I still get help?

Yes. The Anti-Domestic Violence Law and related protections apply to people who have family relations or those in intimate cohabiting relationships. Victims who are dating, living together, or who have family relationships are covered and can seek police help, protection orders and legal remedies.

What happens to child custody if there has been domestic violence?

Domestic violence is an important factor in custody decisions. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests and may limit or deny custody or visitation to a parent when there is evidence they pose a risk to the child. Courts can order supervised visitation, restrictions, or transfer custody to the other parent or a guardian. A lawyer can help present evidence and argue for protective arrangements.

Can I pursue criminal charges and a civil claim at the same time?

Yes. Criminal prosecution and civil claims are separate legal tracks. You can ask the public security organ to investigate and the procuratorate to prosecute criminal acts, while also filing civil claims for compensation or family law actions for divorce, custody and property division. Legal counsel can help coordinate timing and strategy for both routes.

I am a foreign national or my partner is - can I access services in Suzhou?

Yes. Foreign nationals can report domestic violence to the police in Suzhou and apply for protection orders and legal aid where eligible. If you are a foreign national, consider contacting your embassy or consulate for additional assistance and guidance. Immigration status can affect some options, so consult a lawyer experienced with cross-border or immigration-related matters.

Additional Resources

Public security - local police stations and the Suzhou Public Security Bureau handle emergency response, criminal investigations and immediate protective measures.

People’s courts in Suzhou - accept protection order applications and hear family law, custody and civil compensation cases.

Suzhou Legal Aid Center and court legal aid offices - may provide free or low-cost legal representation if you qualify.

Suzhou Women’s Federation and local community service centers - provide counseling, referrals to shelters, social services and assistance navigating administrative procedures.

Hospitals and forensic medical examination units - for medical treatment and documentation of injuries that are critical for police and court procedures.

Social work organizations and domestic violence support groups - offer emotional support, safety planning and sometimes temporary shelter referrals. Ask local community or women’s federation for names of recognized service providers.

Next Steps

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Suzhou, follow these practical steps:

- If you are in immediate danger, call 110 and seek a safe location as soon as possible.

- Seek medical care for injuries and request medical records and, if appropriate, a forensic examination to document harm.

- Preserve evidence: keep messages, photos, call logs and names of witnesses. Where possible, notarize or otherwise ask the police or court to preserve electronic evidence.

- Report the incident to the local police and ask about emergency measures and the possibility of a criminal complaint.

- Consider applying for a protection order at the people’s court. If urgent, request emergency protection through the police or court channels.

- Contact the Suzhou legal aid center, a private lawyer experienced in domestic violence and family law, or your local women’s federation for legal advice and social support.

- If you need shelter, counseling or child protection services, ask the women’s federation or social services for referrals immediately.

- Keep a safety plan - identify trusted contacts, safe places, and the documents you will take if you need to leave quickly, such as identity papers and medical records.

Getting legal help early can protect your safety and strengthen any criminal, civil or family law claims you may pursue. A qualified lawyer or legal aid attorney in Suzhou can explain the options based on your specific circumstances and support you through each legal step.