To ask what happens when Social Services gets involved

You must feel really scared, anybody would. As others have said, you need to notify the police straight away. Also try not to ask your daughter too much about it otherwise you could be seen as leading her, just tell the police exactly what she’s said to you.

You’re doing all the right things, and you just need to keep showing that you are putting your DD’s wellbeing first.

Hope she is OK - were the police helpful?

Poor child. You're absolutely doing the right thing. You may inadvertently help his girlfriend's children in the process too.

Stay strong and advocate for your daughter as much as you can. I hope you both find peace very soon.

Washing a child's hair weekly is normal so I would steer clear of saying things that look like excuses. Stick to things that are actually neglectful.
Thats not to criticise you , the family courts can say that you are complaining unnecessarily and use it against you.

If you are scared of ex make sure to tell the police. 💐

Good luck, you are doing the right thing.

Ring the police straight away. He could end up killing her.

Social worker in CP...if you leave it too long to report you could be seen as not being a protective factor. Do it soon.

You need to report this 'assult' to the police, because this is what it is. This will also support your case for safeguarding.

Oh my God. I hope she never has to go back. Her life's at risk with him.

Is your dd back with you now? I'm not sure how to advise, but I hope someone is able to. I remember your post about what your ex was doing. 🙁

@MadameDeLaRue Oh, honestly, I do completely understand that - sorry if my post came across as being a bit cold! I'm sure any parent would feel frightened in your position; that's a very natural reaction.

In your case, I think it's probably being made even more frightening by the fact that you suffered coercive control from your ex when you were married to him. It's very hard to let go of that feeling of walking on eggshells, isn't it? There comes a point when that sort of behaviour from a partner makes you feel uncertain of everything, even after you've separated from them. And subconsciously there's probably still a part of you that's still scared about angering him even though you're no longer together. Again, I think that's really understandable.

I think there's probably also part of you that's scared about what the whole process might actually reveal. Your little girl has told you at least one thing about her father that suggests he is definitely abusive and she's told you she hates him and is scared of him, but you've also said she often won't/can't share her feelings and worries, so I'm sure you must be feeling incredibly apprehensive and scared about the possibility of other abusive behaviours being revealed that you previously didn't know about it. Let's face it, nobody wants to find out that their child has suffered any kind of abuse - it's a horrible thought. But of course, if there is abusive behaviour going on, it won't stop unless it's uncovered, so you need to face that possibility.

You clearly have a strong instinct to protect your daughter, and that's what you need to hold on to. That's what will carry you through this process. Tell the social workers every single thing that you feel could be relevant - it doesn't matter if you give them more than they need or if you tell them something that they don't consider significant. It's up to them to decide.

You are a brilliant mum and you are doing this for your lovely daughter (who sounds like an absolute sweetheart and clearly loves and trusts you more than anyone else in the world). You can definitely get through this, I promise.

Assuming your child is safe in your care social work will explore any support you might need. They won’t necessarily get involved in contact with your child’s dad unless they think there’s a clear safeguarding concern which might mean supervised contact. What are you hoping the outcome will be?