Unable to Speak Chinese, Foreigner Seeks Police Help for Divorce

Source: OT-Team(G)，自贡网

  A foreigner in China called the police for help after a marriage breakdown and language barriers left her with nowhere else to turn.

In a quiet corner of Sichuan Province's Zigong City, a foreign woman named Rara (pseudonym) recently found herself in an increasingly strained marriage. The conflict with her husband escalated to the point where she sought police assistance, bringing the couple's emotional turmoil to the doorstep of a local police station.

Rara, who had been introduced to her husband by mutual friends, had initially been optimistic about their relationship. However, over time, she grew frustrated with the lack of emotional connection and the vast cultural and lifestyle differences between them. These growing rifts led her to consider divorce. Yet, despite her desire to end the marriage, communication barriers stood in her way—she didn't speak Chinese fluently, and the couple struggled to reach an understanding. With no immediate access to professional translation services, the couple turned to the police for help.

Upon arrival, officers at the police station followed protocol, enlisting the assistance of a community mediator to help resolve the dispute. But with no translator readily available, the station's head, Xu, a former English student, stepped up as an impromptu translator, facilitating the communication between Rara and her husband.

Through patient listening, the police and mediator worked tirelessly to uncover the root of the conflict. The deeper the investigation went, the more it became clear that the couple's differences were not just personal, but also cultural. The mediation focused on explaining Chinese marriage customs and relevant laws, helping Rara understand the legal process she needed to navigate. The officers and mediators took a diplomatic approach, seeking to guide both parties toward a peaceful resolution.

The tense session eventually bore fruit: Rara and her husband reached an agreement. They decided to part ways amicably, with both committing to proceed with the divorce process in accordance with Chinese law.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Rara returned to the station later, holding a banner emblazoned with the words "very good" in English as a token of her appreciation. "You guys are so good, thank you very much!" she said, expressing her thanks to the police officers who helped resolve the dispute.