The Chinese Government is consulting the public on a draft of a national law on family violence, the first law of its kind in the country.

The draft gives social organizations and individuals the right to dissuade, prevent and report physical and psychological abuse from within the victims' family. Governments at all levels will allocate funds to combat family violence, according to the draft, published by the legislative affairs office of the State Council.

According to the draft, social aid organizations, primary and middle schools, kindergarten classrooms and medical institutions must report to authorities cases of family abuse and could bear legal liabilities should they fail to do so in a timely manner, resulting in "serious consequences."

The law states that government, judicial and other related authorities must provide medical treatment, legal aid and judicial assistance to family abuse victims and should protect the victims' rights in terms of property division and child custody should domestic violence lead to divorce.

According to the office, members of the public can voice their comments on the proposal until December 25.