Finally left abusive ex, stopped contact now recieved at C1A

[Fingerscrossed2018]

Hi,

I have left /thrown out my very abusive partner. 2.5yrs! But we have a beautiful boy. I had allowed contact but his aggression, my son coming home distressed and my partner’s abuse towards myself and my older daughter meant I stopped contact. He also wouldn’t tell me where he was living so I could at least know where it son was, I previously had a non mol and have numerous police call outs. Sadly he had a very violent relationship with his ex wife all recorded. The police have been called a few times and tried to help. He now has sent me a C1A stating I’m causing my son emotional abuse by him not seeing him etc. all rubbish.
My son doesn’t ask after him and when he did mention it said he was scared.

I need to respond to the C1A but I only have a copy he sent me. Will the court also send a copy? Or do I file against him (with money I really don’t have).

Any advice greatly recieved.

First of all, can you apply for legal aid? It's usually granted for domestic abuse. You need to respond but I wouldn't be saying that you wish you prevent contact, but that you want contact to be safe and that it should be supervised in a contact centre. It really isn't a straight forward process. Abusive parents almost always get contact.

Wait till you get a request/copy from court. Don’t reply directly. Be factual In your response, include police involvement in notes etc.

How old is your son?

if there are safeguarding factors (which there are) cafcass will do an initial chat with you which will then be followed up by a section 7 report. This report will include any police records, social services involvement etc, and you will get chance to outline your concerns.
court will consider the best interest of the child and as they are too young to take the child's views into account it will be about trying to take a fair approach whilst not risking their safety.
I know others have had different experiences but in my case I argued that my DC should have supervised contact and it was agreed. The final court order stated any contact should be based on my assessment of the safety and sobriety of my ex on any particular occasion and would have relied on the results of a breathalyser (if my ex had ever requested contact, which he didn't)
try and get some legal advice if you can.

sorry, I misread your son as being 2.5. the court will take into account his views and wishes on contact if he's over around 10 (from memory)

Thank you all. My son is such a happy boy. I’m would agree to supervised contact. My ex is a drunk, previous assault charges against his ex wife. His daughter has to have counselling and my daughter (17) has missed school through stress and worry and being frightened of him and his potential actions. I will wait for the official doc from the court and respond in a factual way. I’d do anything to protect the children. I cannot believe her do this. It’s like he’s forgotten that it’s his actions that have pushed me to stopping contact.