what can i do to change this?

I have recently left an emotionally and financially abusive relationship. I posted a while back and got the guts to Chuck him out.

Since we have split things have escalated and I had to stop him from seeing dd. He is a drug addicted, aggressive bully.

I tried to protect dd by getting legal orders to stop him from coming to our home, from having contact with dd and to make sure it's clear she is to be with me in case he tried to take her.

Despite being financially eligible for legal aid, I do not meet the other criteria as he has not been physically abusive. I was told by several different solicitors that I would need to have either; been in a refuge, been to the gp several times with injuries from dv and they could provide a letter or there be an on going investigation with the police for dv.

I have sought advice from a domestic abuse centre and they feel that I am at a medium risk of harm from my ex due to his behaviour so far. They are the ones who have advised me to try and get the legal orders following him becoming verbally abusive in front of baby dd, frightening her.

I am now in the situation of having to wait until things escalate further to be able to get help. This is madness surely? In general, there is a huge motion of awareness of domestic abuse in all forms, not just physical violence, but when it comes to it only physical violence counts.

I have spoken again to the domestic abuse advisors and they think it's madness. My situation is volatile to say the least, and I clearly need to keep my ex away from dd. The only option I have now is to refuse contaxt, keep dd with me at all times and wait.

I don't think there is any hope for my situation, but this is wrong. How can I make my feelings heard? There must be so many women in situations like mine who really need the legal help but can't access it until it's too late. Why wait until it has escalated to physical violence? Why doesn't the system help protect women and children in my situation? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks for reading, sorry its so long.