It's normal to beat wife in China - Li Yang

(Shanghai Daily)

09:25, September 14, 2011

LI Yang, founder of "Crazy English," yesterday said he beat his American wife because of heavy working pressure, cultural differences and, most of all, a traditional Chinese thought that domestic violence is common and normal.

"I was in a rage and I wanted to die with my wife. I charged to her, pushed her down and knocked her head against the floor several times," Li told Legal Daily. "At the time I was probably semi-conscious."

Li said he beat his wife Kim Lee, a US citizen, in front of their two-year-old daughter, but he had since apologized and reconciled with his wife at a police station. 

Li said it would be his wife's choice whether they should divorce, and the decision has not been made.

"I hope I can be a negative example warning people of the seriousness of domestic violence and persuading them to offer love instead of rage to their family members," said Li.

Li's case is far from uncommon in a country where there are few laws to protect wives and children from domestic violence. Between 40,000 and 50,000 complaints about such violence are registered by the All-China Women's Federation every year, according to Legal Daily.

Li said he was raised in a Chinese family where his parents argued all the time, and there was violence. 

He added: "A husband beating his own wife cannot be called a problem, some of my friends have told me. Many Chinese people think the same and they prefer to keep silent because they believe it is simply family business not to be disclosed."

Li said in such families, the son may soon learn from his father that beating a wife is not serious but common and normal, and the idea may pass on, as in his own case.

Li said he beat his wife also because he believed "a man's career is more important than his family." 

He said he could be incited to fury when his wife tried to argue with him over trivial family affairs after 15 to 16 hours of work.

Cultural differences, personalities and conflicting opinions about education were also reasons for the violence, Li said.

"But now I have taught my daughters that when they encounter such domestic violence in the future, they should scream for help rather than keep silent," he said.

Now he is urging the country to make laws banning domestic violence. "I hope more people can learn from me and the incident may help the country to make laws," he said.

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Leave your comment7 comments

ood at 2011-09-15120.166.8.*

That is why, it’s more wisely, to find a wife from the original woman of China, they are good at serving and very loyal to their husbands, instead of western woman, who do not afraid to embarrassing their husbands to the public, whereas, such this matter can be resolved easily through legal channels, actually, this woman no need exposing her case so jarring, through the internet media, with the intent to slander the reputation of the husband. Remember, by vilifying the face of the husband, that’s also means destroying herself.

Sam Teng at 2011-09-15175.139.83.*

We absolutely do not condone domestic violence irrespective of whatever reasons. But we are all human and to err is human, but to forgive divine. Li has repented and feel sorry. We should forgive him and hope he turns over a new leaf permanently. Any future domestic violence by Li should then be punished severely.

ann. at 2011-09-1561.49.154.*

This guy is crazy. It’s funny how he’s trying to put the spin on things, and now help "prevent domestic violence". If this story was not in the headlines, he would be still beating his wife. Just scum this guy is. He’s taking something that horrible that he did, and now putting a positive spin on it, like that was his whole idea in the first place! "I beat the shit out of my wife, to educate all you other wife beaters out the!" This guy needs to be locked up as an example! That’s how to educate people! When someone in the spotlight does something like this, he needs to be made example of! Lock this prick up, give all his money to his wife and kids, and let him get his ass kicked in prison!

Edmad at 2011-09-14218.186.8.*

It is exactly the opposite. It is absolutely abnormal and immoral. Any kinds of domestic violent are deplorable. What kind of men would ill-treat their wives or kids? There is absolutely no excuse for him and peoples liked him. Who says it is normal in China or in our Chinese culture? Shame on him and even more unforgivable for shaming the rest of us - husbands that never once lay a violent hand on our spouses no matter what heated squabbles or problems we encountered occasionally in our marriages. I would definitely want to teach Mr. Li some proper manners if I am Mrs. Li relative.

thomas at 2011-09-14202.89.190.*

no way beating your wife should be tolerated any beatings should be view as assault and should be reported to the police i see man beating a woman as weaklings not a man at all

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