Women in Guangzhou, capital city of southern China's Guangdong Province, can soon expect better protection from domestic violence.

A series of measures submitted to the municipal people's congress, the local legislature, include steps to set up hotlines, cooperate with police reporting services and open legal aid agencies for women, commissioner Lin Qi was quoted as saying by Thursday's China Daily.

In addition, those who don't carry out their responsibilities to help victims of domestic violence could receive administrative punishments.

"Punishing people who fail to do their duties can prevent other people from shirking responsibilities when victims come to seek help," said Li Jianlan, a deputy of Guangzhou people's congress.

In addition, employers won't be able to fire or decline employment to women who need leave to get married or for maternity reasons.

According to the proposal, women who experience domestic violence can contact public security bureaus, civil affairs bureaus, urban community / rural residence commissions, family intermediation commissions, women's federations and the victims' work places.

The working committee on women and children of Guangzhou has vowed to accept and attend to all domestic violence cases when it is approached by victims.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2009-2010), published this week, seeks to promote gender equality as well as guarantee women's legitimate rights and interests. The State will strive to increase women's participation in the management of State and social affairs, to guarantee equal right for women in employment and their access to economic resources.

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2009)