In the 1980's, public attention began to focus on violence against women in the People’s Republic of China. During this same time, the issue was placed on the United Nations’ women-related agendas. This article is concerned with nongovernmental or popular activism against domestic violence in the Peoples’ Republic of China. It focuses on three factors: (1) the political content; (2) 10 years of activist experience; and (3) international exchange. The article poses three questions: (1) how and why activism against violence against women emerged as an issue addressed by new forms of organizing; (2) how has international interaction influenced and inspired understandings of and action against violence against women; and (3) what forms of domestic and international constraints and support have activists encountered in addressing domestic violence? The article is based primarily on interviews with women’s organization activists in Beijing conducted between 1994 and 1998. The early activities against violence against women or domestic violence by the Women’s Research Institute and the Jinglun Family Center are described. The final section discusses the development of definitions and interpretations of and action against violence against women and the establishment in 2000 of a national network involved in researching and preventing domestic violence. References