I work in the family justice system and have done for 20 years. I completely agree that many experienced judges do not understand domestic abuse. I also believe and have seen that newer judges and newer practice directions are hugely improving through training and attitudes. The impact of domestic abuse is drummed into judges in training now, in lots of different ways including workshops and watching dramatisations.
However the biggest difficulty facing even the most excellent judges is that the family court requires evidence, on the balance of probability, to prove facts. Without evidence it is very difficult to say that something is proven. And we all know that domestic abuse is so hard to prove based on fact and evidence. Every single case has to turn on it's own evidence.
Another major issue is the stopping of legal aid for most cases means that even if there are facts to be proven, without a solicitor putting those facts before a judge in a coherent and persuasive way is not easy.
And, I know this is not good enough but, the judicial system is stretched to breaking point and judges, particularly on the district bench, have a ridiculous caseload to get through every day without admin support and with a considerable amount of pressure to get cases resolved.
I don't know what the answers are but I do see what the problems are every day and it's not just down to judges needing more training.