I don't really know what to do and I'm hoping collective wisdom will help me decide.
So long story short, I left my abusive ex when my son was 2 and my baby was 1. They've maintained contact with dad ever since, even though it's been a nightmare at times. Ever since they could talk they've described being smacked by dad. My two boys are now 7 and 6
There have been several incidents over the years of bruises and which I've always reported and last year to no end and when dad tried to get more access in court we had social services complete an assessment where they basically said, the children only briefly shared some concerns about shouting, and no real information about hitting, so they couldn't advise against more contact, and that perhaps due to my own history with dad, I was reading too much into things. I was absolutely gutted. We'd had Health Visitors notes saying dad was a risk, but these were disregarded. However i reluctantly accepted the order (not that I had much choice) and carried on. Reports from the children continued but I didn't feel I could do anything about it after the previous verdict.
A two weeks ago, my eldest said that his dad had gone into the garden where he was playing, and hit him and his brother over and over again, without understanding why. He said there were no words, no shouting, just hitting and that it was making him upset whenever he thought about it. I reported it to both social services and police. The police visited the kids Tuesday and basically said they didn't disclose that specific incident but they did talk about being "smacked". The kids always say they don't want to go, sometimes the eldest just cries and goes into himself. They both appear unhappy but I'm not sure how to help.
I don't know whether to keep pursuing this in a court because I'm worried that the kids haven't said enough for a court to take it seriously. I'm worried that they are at risk, but equally, when social suggested that maybe my own past with dad is influencing my judgement on their disclosures. I worry about that too.
I don't know what to do for the best and don't want to make it worse. I know none of you know the ins and outs of this like I do. But I guess I'm trying to weigh up the options of what to do. I can't afford a solicitor so would have to self represent and I'm worried about dad somehow getting more contact. Does anyone have any thoughts? What would you do? Would you take the risk?