Survivors of domestic violence, legal ambivalence and life course theory

Domestic violence survivors in China face major barriers to leaving abusive relationships, including property division, child custody disputes and emotional ties to abusers. Despite legislative and judicial reforms, many remain hesitant to engage with the legal system. Drawing on Pamela Neumann’s concept of legal ambivalence, this study applies a life course perspective to examine leaving processes. Interviews with survivors and family law professionals show that early life experiences, shifting socio-legal contexts and marriage norms shape legal ambivalence. Post-1960s and post-1970s cohorts prioritized adult children’s well-being over personal justice, while post-1980s and post-1990s cohorts viewed themselves as active legal agents. Post-2000s cohorts initially trusted the Anti-Domestic Violence Law but became disillusioned by inadequate institutional responses. Intergenerational ties rooted in Confucianism and economic hardship further deter survivors from seeking legal remedies. Policy makers and legal actors should adopt a comprehensive framework that reduces risks during separation and promotes human rights and child-centred approaches.

Ambivalence · Child custody · Domestic violence · Face (sociological concept) · Legal profession · Legislature · Life course approach · Perspective (graphical) · Property (philosophy) · Elder Abuse and Neglect · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Intimate Partner and Family Violence