West gate of the Peking University Photo:CNSphoto

The suicide of a Peking University student, reportedly following prolonged psychological abuse from her boyfriend who was annoyed with the fact that she was not a virgin, prompted heated discussions on Chinese social media over the mental health among couples and denunciation of "mind control." 

Bao Li (pseudonym) attempted to commit suicide on October 9 by overdosing on pills used to treat motion sickness, and was declared medically brain dead last month.

After Bao's death, her boyfriend Mou Linhan was found to have mentally abused her, as shown in their WeChat conversation, the Southern Weekly reported on Thursday.

Mou, also a student at Peking University, solicited nude photos from Bao, and ordered her to become pregnant before having an abortion, giving him the medical records and undergoing sterilization.

Bao's mother told media that Mou was upset because Bao had had sexual experiences before their relationship and that she was not a virgin. He did not want to end the relationship, but used these details to psychologically torture Bao.   

The story soon went viral on Chinese social media as netizens heatedly discussed Mou's "mind control."

Photos of WeChat conversations between Bao and Mou have been widely circulated on Chinese social media since Thursday night. The photos reveal Bao referred to Mou as "master" and "baby," and Mou called Bao "dog" and "mom." 

Their conversations seemingly unveiled the emotional abuse Bao suffered. Mou insulted and devalued her, and even urged her to kneel down and slap herself. 

"You are so outstanding, but I'm just a piece of junk," read the last message Bao sent to Mou before her attempted suicide. 

Bao's family told the Chengdu-based Red Star News on Friday that they have appointed a lawyer but have not yet decided upon which grounds they will sue Mou.  

Bao's case has also ignited heated debate online concerning journalism ethics. The Southern Weekly, which first exposed the story on Thursday, was criticized by many for failing to push for more responses from Mou, and failing to associate the case with the broader issue of mental health instead of simply catering to novelty-news readers.

Global Times