The system combating domestic violence and supporting its victims is full of professionals ill-equipped to handle an issue some consider to be their core business, an inquiry has heard.
A string of witnesses has revealed judges, psychiatrists, GPs, nurses, midwives, social workers and teachers have little to no compulsory training on family violence and in many cases are learning "on the job".
Responders and investigators are limited by "tunnel vision", leaving vulnerable groups without targeted support or hope for justice, a parliamentary committee was told.
Researcher Alison Fogarty relayed the case of a woman experiencing intimate partner violence who divulged emotional suffering to her GP, was prescribed anti-depressants and went home without having been asked questions about her home life.
