A new regulation in Shandong Province allows women to file complaints about sexual and physical harassment including dirty cell phone messages.

A survey shows that more than 70 percent of women experienced sexual harassment.

The provincial People's Congress recently enacted the regulation in Jinan, according to a report in People's Daily.

Women who receive dirty jokes or photographs in e-mails or in phone messages, and those who suffer from physical abuse, may file a complaint with their work unit or a local women's organization.

The Standing Committee of the provincial People's Congress approved the regulation on January 14, People's Daily said.

Those who violate the regulation will face administrative penalties, civil liability or even criminal responsibility.

Feng Hong, the director of the Legislative Affairs Office under the Standing Committee of Jinan People's Congress, said the regulation is an effective way to protect women.