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Can she just stop contact and demand contact centre?

6 replies

OutOfIdeasAgain · 07/10/2013 08:29

I'm looking for advice for my mum regarding my Brother(4) and my Sister (7).
We are 100% sure their dad is emotionally abusive, he was to my Mum and is much worse now. I won't list everything as it would take forever, but it affects them deeply. His girlfriend is equally as bad.

There is also proof of physical abuse, such as bruises and the children saying he tells them he will 'give them a blue bottom' which apparently means they are going to be smacked.

They play questionable 'games' which include the pulling down of underwear. I find this so wrong. There's just something that doesn't sit right. No proof though.

My Mum has tried everything. HV, SS (He made malicious accusations), Court (ignored mum and sister, gave more contact), GP, School, Children's Centre, Police (already involved due to harassment), CAFCASS. They pass her along, say they can't help etc. She's desperate now, doesn't qualify for legal aid but can't afford a solicitor.

Is there anything else she can do? It's so sad to see them sobbing when they come home, withdrawn and terrified of upsetting this man. They have even changed the way they pronounce words (he has a different accent) because he told them they weren't allowed to talk like my mum :(

Apologies for the essay. Also should mention, she has it on video the children disclosing events from being there. She has been recording them for a month or two, as advised by someone.

OP posts:
WithConfidence · 07/10/2013 08:47

Sorry I don't have much time but contact Womens Aid. If court have awarded contact she may be in breach if she changes it.

Hamwidgeandcheps · 07/10/2013 12:49

I think she needs to go back to the police and ss and make a report. Tell them everything. Actually go down the police route because they will make the ss referral for you.

HerrenaHarridan · 07/10/2013 13:05

Yes she can but she has to do it properly.

Contact women's aid. They will help with the police.

Poor kids

lostdad · 07/10/2013 13:14

If there is a court order she should follow it but if she is not happy with the court order she should return it to court.

The best interests of the OP's DC are paramount however so if she feels they are in real danger she should stop contact - although she should be aware that if her ex returns the matter to court she will be explaining why she has broken an order made by the Family Courts (which act in the best interests of the child).

If she contacts Families Need Fathers on their helpline she'll get free advice too - they are parenting charity who assist with separated families with various issues including the OPs'.

cestlavielife · 07/10/2013 14:59

she can stop contact if she has "reasonable excuse".

their well being is be reasonable excuse.
she needs to keep trying profressionals. she neds to keep telling them what is happening adn ehr concerns.
if hv no good, she should take kids to GP and explain.

she cna ask gp to refer to child psychologist who can speak to them and back up any concerns.

she could conact their teachers as well, ask if they said anything at school.

OutOfIdeasAgain · 07/10/2013 16:41

Thank you for all the suggestions, I will let my mum know asap.

I hope someone listens soon, poor kids indeed :(

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