Children and victims of domestic violence have more protection under the new Domestic Violence Decree and members of the public can also provide them assistance when needed.

The law recognizes children as victims and under the definition of domestic violence in the decree, it states that violence also means causing or allowing a child to see or hear any of the domestic violence.

Former High Court Judge Nazhat Shameem said the decree also empowers people and they can now do something about a domestic violence case if they witness certain incidents.

This changes the scenario as many people normally see a case of domestic violence as a private matter.

Shameem said people can now apply to the courts to take action.