28 Years of Domestic Violence Law, Women's Groups Call for Focus on Non-Spousal Intimate Partner Violence Prevention

(Central News Agency, Reporter Wu Hsin-yun, Taipei, June 24) The Domestic Violence Prevention Act today marks its 28th anniversary. Women's groups, reviewing major intimate partner violence incidents, found that only 3 cases involved spouses, while the majority were with dating or former intimate partners. They urge the government to expand publicity on the prevention of non-spousal intimate partner violence.

The Domestic Violence Prevention Act was enacted in 1998 and today celebrates its 28th anniversary. The Garden of Hope Foundation, a women's group, issued a press release today detailing reported data and observations.

The Garden of Hope Foundation stated that according to Ministry of Health and Welfare statistics, there were 190,676 reported domestic violence cases nationwide in 2025, a significant increase from 149,198 cases in 2022. Intimate partner violence cases constitute the largest proportion, accounting for about 50% of all reported cases. Victims remain predominantly female, at about 70%, but the proportion of male victims is also gradually increasing. Furthermore, cases where both parties report each other have been rising annually, reaching about 30% by 2025.

Observing the data of intimate partner violence victims served by the Garden of Hope Foundation in 2025, women accounted for 76% and men for 24%. The Foundation pointed out that the increase in the proportion of male victims reflects improved publicity for domestic violence prevention and increased willingness of abused men to seek help. On the other hand, it may also be due to mutual reporting, where some men, after female victims report or apply for protection orders, believe they have also suffered violence from the women and file reports, but subsequently refuse services.

The Garden of Hope Foundation also reviewed major intimate partner violence news incidents from 2024 to May 2025, totaling 11 major cases. These include the case in New Taipei where a former boyfriend held sisters hostage and attacked them with a knife, the case in Taipei where a female public relations officer at Xinyi Vieshow was throat-slashed by her former boyfriend, the case in Tucheng, New Taipei, of a man killing his wife and sister-in-law, the case in Taichung where a man stabbed his ex-girlfriend on the street, the case in Taichung where a breakup negotiation in a car led to a neck stabbing, and the case in Taichung of a couple found dead in a rented room.

The Garden of Hope Foundation analyzed that 5 of these cases were related to post-breakup revenge, resulting in the death or severe injury of victims. Another 5 cases resulted from escalated conflicts leading to killings, and 1 case was a retaliatory killing after a protection order hearing. Observing the casualties, there were 9 biological females and 4 biological males among the deceased victims, and 2 biological females suffered severe injuries.

Further examining the relationship patterns in the cases, the Garden of Hope Foundation stated that only 3 cases involved spouses, while the majority were with dating or former intimate partners. Notably, of the 11 major cases, 8 occurred when the parties were already separated, had broken up, or were in a state of isolation, indicating that the relationship termination phase is often a high-risk period. Only 2 cases had prior reporting or protection order records, reflecting that a large number of high-risk cases do not enter the protection system early enough.

The Garden of Hope Foundation pointed out that looking back at the progress of Taiwan's domestic violence prevention system, societal awareness of violence identification and reporting has gradually increased, with reported cases continuously rising. However, the patterns of violence and the needs of victims are diverse and complex. The government should not only continue to strengthen protection mechanisms but also provide sufficient resources for trauma recovery, expand shelters to accommodate pets, prevent digital sexual violence, and promote emotional education and bystander intervention to address systemic gaps and reduce the recurrence of major violent incidents.

The Garden of Hope Foundation also reminds the public that situations such as breakups, separations, applying for protection orders, and escalating conflicts can be important warning signs of escalating violence. Facing the end of a relationship rationally, seeking resources for early help, and establishing support networks are crucial keys to reducing harm.

(Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 20250624

Stand with the facts. Your every donation is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.