The push for this law reflects Russian society's long-standing ambivalence to domestic violence. Russian police often shy away from responding to domestic violence calls, preferring instead to leave disputes to families to work out. According to a survey conducted by state-run pollster VTsIOM, nearly 1 out of every 5 Russians says it can be acceptable to strike a wife, husband or child "in certain circumstances." The Russian Orthodox Church has weighed in, issuing a statement last year that characterized corporal punishment as an "essential right given to parents by God."