Walking Toward Spring: Breaking the Silence Around Domestic Violence | Ying Li | TEDxSWFLA Youth

For more than two decades, lawyer and anti-domestic-violence advocate Li Ying has stood alongside survivors of domestic violence. Through stories drawn from hundreds of cases, she reveals why leaving an abusive relationship is rarely as simple as “just walking away”—and how economic dependence, social stigma, psychological trauma, and gaps in support systems can trap survivors in cycles of violence. From individual cases to the development of China’s Anti-Domestic Violence Law, Li Ying reflects on the progress that has been made and the work that remains. Ultimately, she invites each of us to become a small light in the darkness: to speak up, offer support, and help create a future where every life can breathe freely. Li Ying is a lawyer, advocate, and longtime leader in the fight against domestic violence in China. With more than 23 years of experience, she has provided legal support to hundreds of survivors and conducted nearly 10,000 legal consultations. Through her legal practice and advocacy, she has worked to raise awareness of domestic violence, strengthen legal protections for survivors, and challenge the social stigma that often keeps victims silent.

As the author of Walking Toward Spring (走到春暖花开), Li Ying uses both professional expertise and firsthand stories to shed light on the complex realities survivors face. Her work has contributed to broader conversations around gender equality, human rights, and the importance of building communities where survivors can seek safety, dignity, and support. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx