Order of Protection Helps Woman Escape Domestic Violence at

Ma Hong's then-boyfriend physically abused her on December 24, 2016. Ma's face was badly injured. Then, her then-boyfriend held her hostage in a car for more than 24 hours.

Ma's lawyer, and the lawyer's assistant, helped Ma petition the court for an order of protection, to help protect Ma from her then-boyfriend, on January 4, 2017. The matter was heard by the People's Court of Shuangliu District (in Chengdu, capital of southwestern China's Sichuan Province). The lawyer presented evidence to the court, including photos of Ma's injuries and Ma's medical record (provided by the hospital), which proved Ma had been physically abused.

The court took less than 24 hours to approve Ma's application. The matter caught the public's attention. Legal experts said the court approved Ma's application in accordance with a relevant clause in the supplementary articles of the. The clause stipulates the law against domestic violence also applies to the  between cohabitants.

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