I've been separated from my ex partner for 6 months. We have a soon to be 3 year old son. He is abusive. I have separated myself from him as I luckily own my own home and financially able to support myself but it's taken some time to see how he goes through these cycles of abuse where by one minute he is happy and fine and nice to be around and then next he is awful and abusive. Although not physically although he has been to prison for a previous conviction. I believe he would get physical and has pushed me on occasions etc. I never thought I would be in this position but even since separating he is still showing these same cycles of abuse and life is very difficult dealing with him in terms of our child. He works shifts away and won't agree to definite childcare dates etc. is quite spontaneous with turning up or deciding he wants our son for the night etc which makes it difficult for us not to communicate. He likes to have me on the end of the phone as a friend and discuss our son constantly yet next minute abusive and awful to me. I would like to not have to communicate anymore because my mental health is shot and it's exhausting dealing with the constant changing behaviour. My boss suggested talking to a solicitor which I hadn't thought of because tbh I didn't think there was anything that could be done? Would it be unreasonable to get some legal advice? I'm sure this will poke the bear also but I'm at the end of my tether. If it were my choice I would not have him in my sons life at all but obviously that's not a choice I've got.
I would also add he does things like block my messages or calls so I cannot contact him when he has my son which is very distressing.