Eurobodalla people who are experiencing domestic violence have been encouraged to report it immediately to help build a body of evidence over time.
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Shoalcoast solicitor and family lawyer Katie Lahodny said many were reluctant to report domestic violence, but doing so built a history of evidence, should action be later taken.
Ms Lahodny said courts, when making orders, prioritised safety of children, however, a court could only consider what was before it.
As many cases were not reported, there was often no history for the court to consider.
“You might have a mother who has concerns about the child spending time with their father, but there’s no evidence to put to the court,” Ms Lahodny said.
“The judges will try to make a decision that is in the best interests of the children, but they can only do what they can with what they’ve got in front of them.”