Gender violence may be under-recognized and under-reported, but it is one of the worst epidemics in China today. It is manifested essentially in violence against women, which occurs across China and affects families of all ethnic backgrounds and social spheres. But its impact is not restricted to families. It extends to society as a whole.

According to a survey, one-third of China's households have to cope with domestic violence, both physical and psychological. A china law institute survey in Gansu, Hunan and Zhejiang provinces found that one-third of the responding families had witnessed family violence, and that 85 percent of the victims were women. The surprising thing is that only 5 percent of the people surveyed said their marriage was unhappy, because not only men, but also many women consider violence a normal part of family life.

An All-China Women's Federation survey (ACWF) found that domestic violence takes place predominantly in young families and households with low educational levels in rural areas. Physical violence is more common in rural areas, and emotional abuse in cities.

Women in China have made significant progress in recent times. But the idea that women should be subordinates to men at home and in society is still prevalent among people. And since men consider themselves the family breadwinners, they assume the right to maintain order at home by using violence.

Worldwide, violence is as common a cause of death and disability as cancer among women of reproductive age. It is a greater cause of ill health than traffic accidents and malaria put together. Public health experts consider violence against women a public health issue, which should be addressed accordingly.