Next steps, failed mediation

[Midsummer23]

Good evening, please offer me some advice wise mumsnet users who have been through difficult divorces. I am trying to leave my abusive marriage, it’s taken me a long time & a lot of courage to stand up to him & tell my family what has been going on. My question is what are my next steps & who can offer me advice on my situation. We have both completed MIAM assessments however the mediated recommended my ex & I see a therapist before beginning mediation properly due to her having concerns during his assessment of his emotional readiness & perhaps we could organise lots in therapy which is cheaper than mediation. My ex agreed to this when speaking with her however has said to me since he won’t be taking any action to move forward with therapy as punishment for how I am treating him. I feel continued to be controlled in this situation, should I progress just through a solicitor? I am worried about the cost of this, does anyone have any suggestions?

Joint Therapy is not appropriate where there is abuse. And CLEARLY THERE IS ABUSE HERE!

Go back to the mediator, tell them what he's said and ask to be signed off for court.

Then get a solicitor and work out what you need. Are there kids involved? What's your housing situation? Employment?

And if your family don't support you, keep them out if it as they will feed him. Find friends or other support. You can do this.

Thanks for your reply! So the mediator can sign us off for court, what does this mean, that we failed to mediate?
We have 2 children under 5 yes who I take care of, I’m currently in the family home, I work part time as one in nursery & ex see’s kids couple of evenings a week & a day at weekends. Iv approached a couple of solicitors who recommended to try the mediation first but will they be able to help me organise what me & the children need?
Iv fantastic family who are supportive & housed us when I initially had to leave the home as he refused too after being aggressive. They are 100% behind me as are most of my girlfriends who unbeknownst to me seem to have had the measures of him more than I did.