For ALL Women and Girls: Zhou Yao leads collective actions to end violence against women
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Author: Mengwen Chen and Michele Scalzulli
#ForAllWomenandGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Zhou Yao, from China, talks about enhancing multi-agency coordination to effectively support survivors of domestic violence.
A young woman’s leadership in fighting domestic violence
Yao is a driving force in the fight against domestic violence in Changsha City, southern China. As Director of the Xinchen Marriage and Family Comprehensive Service Centre, the 31-year-old has dedicated the past decade to supporting survivors and advocating for systemic change. She began as an intern social worker when the centre was established in 2014. At just 20 years old, she sometimes faced skepticism.
“Some survivors would say: ‘You’re so young – do you have experience with marriage or family? How can you understand my situation and advise me if you’re not married’?’” she recalls. “I would patiently explain that my ability to provide support comes not from personal experience but from professional training and access to the right resources and tools. To gain their trust, I focused on offering practical support, helping them assess their risks, create safety plans and navigate the legal system. Once survivors saw tangible results, they began to believe in my ability to help them break free from their abusers and end the cycle of violence.”
Yao’s organization has supported over 300 survivors and provided over 5,000 consultations. Since July 2024, it has been an implementing partner of UN Women China’s “Solidarity in Efforts for Ending Violence Against Women” Programme, which helped establish China’s first court-based “One-Stop” Anti-Domestic Violence Service Centre.
Creating change through integrated services
Launched in November 2024, the One-Stop Centre is a groundbreaking initiative located within the People’s Court of Yuelu District. It offers domestic violence survivors integrated services – legal aid, psychological counselling, emergency shelter and coordinated case management – all in one safe location.
“In the past, survivors had to navigate multiple agencies on their own. With this new model, when survivors file for divorce on the grounds of domestic violence, the court directly refers them to our centre for comprehensive service,” Yao explains.
Additionally, the centre provides safe, in-court shelter options for survivors and their children during legal proceedings. After divorce, social workers continue to offer housing support, assist with children’s school enrolment, and connect survivors with financial resources to help them regain stability.
“The centre also offers psychological counselling for both survivors and their children, who may have witnessed the violence, helping to mitigate the emotional and psychological impact,” says Yao. “Moreover, we are exploring rehabilitation programmes for perpetrators, aiming to address the root causes of violence and prevent recidivism.”
Since opening, the centre has already assisted 11 survivors, four of whom obtained protection orders – a promising start for what Yao hopes will become a replicable model nationwide.
A survivor-centred approach is key
The One-Stop Centre is a catalyst for enhanced multi-agency coordination. To date, over 140 professionals, including judicial personnel, law enforcement officers, health and education sector workers, local women’s federations and social service-providers have received four specialized trainings. These have built their capacity to ensure that the needs of survivors are met with empathy and professionalism, receiving the protection and justice they deserve without facing gender biases.
For all women and girls … everyone has a role to play
Yao’s message to young people is clear: “It’s important to remember that everyone has a role to play in ending violence against women. If you witness or become aware of domestic violence, take action within your capacity. Don’t hesitate to be an active bystander – listen to survivors, offer support, encourage them and stand by them as they navigate their path to safety.”