The high-profile divorce case of Li Yang, founder of the "Crazy English" schools, and Kim Lee ended on Sunday with Li's property portfolio being forfeited as compensation for domestic violence.

Lee, Li's former wife, 40, will receive property worth more than 12 million yuan ($1.9 million) from Li and have custody of their three daughters, according to the Beijing Chaoyang District Court, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The court confirmed Li had been violent with Lee, a. U.S. citizen, and ordered him to pay her 50,000 yuan ($8,030) compensation for psychological trauma and 100,000 yuan ($ 16,060) per child annually in child support, until they are 18, Xinhua reported.

The court also approved Lee's application for a three-month restraining order, and warned that if Li is found to threaten or abuse her again, he will be subject to punishment or criminal liability, Xinhua said.

Li was not present in court.

China Daily reported that Lee wiped away tears several times as the judge announced the verdict and she also sighed loudly when the judge said she will have custody of her three daughters.

She asked the media to give her a minute to calm down after the court hearing, the paper said.

Lee said she was satisfied with the ruling. "Chinese women must defend their own rights," she was quoted by Xinhua.

"The case took a long, long time — about a year and a half. It's hard to use the law to protect myself in China," she said.

China Daily quoted her as saying that she will live with her children in China, because the girls have been educated in the country. "I have the ability to earn money, and we will have a new life," she said.

Chinese media asked her if she had a message for her former husband, Lee shook her head and remained silent, the paper said.

Li is known for creating the concept of "Crazy English," a method of shouting to memorize and practice the language. He started the schools in China in the early 1990s and has been successful with the venture. Lee used to be his partner as an editor of the company's publication products.

The case was first exposed in August 2011 when Lee accused Li of abusing her on Sina Weibo, China’s largest microblogging platform. She posted pictures of her injuries at Li's hands.

A week later, Li admitted the violence and apologized after the case triggered public anger online.

"It was just a quarrel between couples," Li said.

The case has also brought attention to domestic violence and protection of women’s rights. Lee became something of a folk hero for China's battered wives.