Domestic partners and ex-spouses should be included in domestic violence legislation, according to the deputy head of the All-China Women's Federation.

Zhen Yan, who is also a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said on Monday that domestic violence should be broadly defined, as it exists not only between husband and wife, and parents and children, but also between domestic partners and ex-spouses.

"A civilized society cannot tolerate the existence of domestic violence," she said. "Therefore, we suggest that the National People’s Congress (NPC, China’s top legislature) outlaw any form of domestic violence and protect all victims."

Domestic violence is listed on the 2012 legislative agenda of the NPC.