1. In ordinary situations, discuss things in a complete, unrushed manner, using a gentle tone of voice, Practice using affirming language when communication with the other. If you feel that the other is wrong, don’t simply say “you’re wrong”. Instead, you can discuss it later at a more appropriate time.
2. If you are having serious arguments with family members, you can:

   (a)	Calm down and leave the situation
   (b)	Change the topic
   (c)	Be weary of violent signs: if the family member suddenly rushes over with exaggerated tone of voice or action, starts to look for a belt, stick, knife, etc.
   (d)	Don’t argue in narrow, small spaces such as the kitchen or bathroom, or in places with many dangerous items. Try to look for a safer environment first.
   (e)	First send the kids to their rooms, so they may avoid harm in case of a violent episode.

1. Stay calm: Don’t say anything rash. At the same time, find a chance to leave the area, and go to a neighbor of friend’s house.
2. Protect yourself: Especially your head, face, neck, chest, and stomach.
3. Call for help: Ask family members or neighbors to help stop the attack.
4. When you seek medical attention, you should ask the physician to examine your wounds, collect an exam report, and have pictures taken of the wounds.
5. Report the event to the police. The police will fill out a “domestic abuse investigation form “, and file various pieces of evidence: such as injury report, handwritten account, damaged clothing, and weapon used. If you would like to apply for a restraining order, you must notice the police.

• If you are not willing to sue your husband or family members, the police will make a notation in the “police log”.
• If you want to file a lawsuit, the police will help you make a written log, and begin the processing. If you are injured, the police can also take you to the emergence ward.
• When the police arrive at the scene of the attack, they will determine whether or not an “emergency restraining order” is necessary. In addition, they will take you away from the scene and separate you from the abusing party. If you require emergency lodging, the officer processing your case will immediately notify the Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Prevention Center (to be referred to a Prevention Center). The social worker will help you find accommodations.
• If the report is made during night hour or the social workers are off duty, they will take you and your children (if your children are also victims of abuse) to a hotel or female police precinct. On the following day, the female precinct shall notify the Prevention Center, and help relocate you to safe house.
• If your important ID information is at home, you can request an officer to escort your home to pick it up.
• If your ID has been confiscated or your VISA is about to expire, you can ask for assistance with a police station. Due to the different processing systems for residents of mainland China and other countries we have made a reference chart for your convenience.

Information source: ”Guidelines for the processing of domestic violence involving mainland Chinese of Foreign Spouse by police institutions” ratified by decree no. 091000880012 of the Police Agency, Ministry of Interior on March 31, 2002.