Woman Jailed 11 Years For Accidentally Killing Abusive Husband
He was on the bonnet of her car when it crashed.
Cover image via DouyinCao, a woman from China's Hebei province, was sentenced to 11 years in prison over the death of her abusive husband, Liu, a tragedy her family describes as a desperate act of self-defence
The incident has stirred a furious debate around victim protection, systemic failures, and the thin line between escape and crime in the country.
The South China Morning Post reported that the couple's relationship had long been marred by violence, according to Cao's relatives and colleagues.
After years of escalating abuse, Cao said she tried to flee during a brutal confrontation where Liu allegedly beat her, tore her clothes, and threatened her with a knife
In a moment of panic, she jumped into her car. Liu climbed onto the bonnet, but Cao continued driving.
The vehicle eventually crashed and Liu later died of internal injuries.
Cao, also injured, was charged with intentional homicide.
The court ruled that since Liu was no longer attacking her when she drove off, the act didn't qualify as self-defence
Critics say the verdict punishes a woman for surviving. Others fear the ruling sends a chilling message to victims: endure quietly, or risk jail.
Meanwhile, Cao's appeal is pending. Her family, shattered and defiant, insists she had no intent to kill.
"She was stripped and beaten in public," her mother said. "She is the victim, not the perpetrator."
