In China's context, where domestic violence has long been an issue, a report on its monetary implications by the US-based nonprofit organization Asia Foundation and Syn-Tao Co Ltd, a Chinese consultancy that focuses on corporate social responsibility, was released at the Dutch embassy in Beijing last week.

China's Anti-Domestic Violence Law came into effect in March 2016.

Called the Impact of Domestic Violence on the Workplace in China, the report is based on a survey initiated last year in which 706 employees and 93 employers participated. Around 13 percent of those surveyed said they had experienced domestic violence in the preceding 12 months.

Domestic violence escalates costs for employers due to reduced productivity, missed work hours or days and staff turnover, according to the report. It says more time will be needed before employers can fully understand their legal obligations under the new law to support survivors. Women make up around 44 percent of the country's working-age population engaged in formal employment.

Contact the writer at satarupa@chinadaily.com.cn