Rights? I think you need to speak to womens aid. A man who is violant to you will have little or no rights to your child. If social services were aware they would consider the child protection register. Children must be in safe environments. Perhaps asking womens aid about moving into a shelter? Also the national council for one parent families might help they can tell you your rights. But Social services would mess around where there is violence concerned so you have to think there may be rights but how far they will go is debatable.
Leaving is hard. One of my friends was in such a bad case of domestic violance sometimes I would fear for her life. I know you say it could be worse - but what if one time he hits you and you have serious medical complications and your child can no longer rely on you? I don't mean to fill you with guilt. I just worry.
You deserve better. So much better. I have lived on my own since 19 and sometimes money for rent is hard. I was badly anorexic so couldn't work and had nobody to depend on appart from myself. I am no longer ill, I dug myself out of it. However I find myself 18 weeks pregnant - I moved out of Cardiff to Bristol to escape the abusive relationship I have suffered all my life with my mother. I knew I needed to think of the future I could provide my child.
I didn't tell the father. He treated me poorly and coerced me in to sleeping with him when I was drunk. I didn't want that kind of thing hanging over me I was raped when I was very small so I have always been scared that it could be worse. Men have so much power over our actions. If you can emancipate yourself from it - I tell you honestly, you will be surprised at what you can do. I still worry about money and where My childs future will be but I know it had to be away from all the sytematic negative treatment I was experiencing.
You would be stronger for it. We are women - like tea bags you don't know how strong we are going to be until you throw us in hot water.
I would understand if you stayed. I know what esteem can make you stay in. I would be sad though as you seem to be considering that life could be different although hard. Sometimes hard can lead to something so much more positive. I hope you find a way. Benefits are tough - as a single parent perhaps you can access a grant for education. There is so much more help than there used to be.
Please keep us updated. I so hope you leave.