Story highlights China enacts long-awaited domestic violence law

Violence in the home traditionally considered a family matter

Same-sex couples are excluded from the law

Hong Kong (CNN) After a decades-long push, China has finally enacted its first nationwide law prohibiting domestic violence.

The ground-breaking legislation covers both married and co-habiting couples and those living in foster families. It comes into force March 1, state news agency Xinhua reported.

It also defines domestic violence for the first time, and includes pyschological abuse as well as physical violence.

However, critics say there are still gaps -- it excludes same-sex couples and makes no mention of sexual violence.

Until 2001, when China amended its marriage law, abuse wasn't considered grounds for divorce and violence in the home has traditionally been regarded as a private matter to be dealt with by family members.

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