In the quiet confines of their home in Sichuan, southwestern China, a chilling episode played out that would later reverberate through millions across the nation. Captured in the unblinking gaze of a surveillance camera, a man, in the late hours of August 31, was seen physically assaulting his wife, pinning her against a wall, showering her with blows as she desperately shielded her head.
The genesis of the attack was seemingly mundane yet deeply emblematic of certain societal expectations. The mother, exhausted after a day’s work, returned home to find her spouse engrossed in leisurely card games, having neglected his responsibilities towards their home and two children. Her attempts to address the issue were met with escalating hostility, culminating in a violent outburst.
Although the immediate aftermath of the attack is shrouded in ambiguity, it’s known that the mother suffered a head injury. Despite the traumatic experience, her sense of duty propelled her to work the following day. However, it was upon her return that she encountered a heart-rending gesture from her nine-year-old daughter.
In a note marked by innocence and maturity beyond her years, the daughter penned, “If you want to divorce dad, I will live with you. But if you worry about my younger brother, you can put me in the custody of dad.” Her words captured the anguish of witnessing domestic abuse and an understanding of its implications. Desiring her mother’s happiness above all, she added, “Don’t sacrifice your feelings.” As a protective afterthought, she reminded her mother to secure the door.
The weight of the note brought the mother to tears, and when shared online, it ignited a firestorm of reactions. With the story amassing over 11 million views and thousands of comments on Weibo, the conversation was dominated by empathy for the child’s predicament and anger at the recurring theme of domestic violence in China.
Domestic violence remains a contentious topic in China. The nation has witnessed its fair share of heart-wrenching stories that expose the grim reality many face behind closed doors. Just a few months prior, another case had grabbed headlines where a man’s brutal attack on his wife resulted in life-altering consequences, forcing her to rely on a colostomy bag. In another deeply unsettling incident in June 2022, a pregnant woman unveiled the repeated abuse she endured at the hands of her partner, causing widespread shock and condemnation.
These stories have instigated public discourse and reflect the urgent need for robust interventions, both at policy and societal levels. The sentiment was aptly captured by an online user who commented, “I think the damages caused by domestic violence are much worse than divorce.”
The narrative revolving around the young girl’s plea underscores the collateral damage of domestic violence, where children, even if not direct victims, bear its psychological scars. It’s a somber reminder that domestic abuse isn’t just a personal tragedy but a societal concern that needs collective introspection and action.
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