contact violent ex

[Sarahmac26]

Hi
Long story (sorry) My daughter is nearly 2 years old my ex hasn't seen her since she was 3 weeks old (when he was sent to prison). I've received a C100 form in the post today for a hearing in June regarding contact. I have a restraining order against him for the next 2 years ordered by the court. What are his chances of getting contact. While I was pregnant he was in prison for harassing his ex and beating up her boyfriend. After I had the baby he was sent to prison for smashing up my house etc. When he was released he was charged with harassment and criminal damaged towards myself, property, car, parents. Breached his harassment order breached his bail conditions. He was given a restraining order, community service, alcohol treatment, probation, to pay compensation. He has never paid towards the baby, no xmas cards etc she hasn't a clue who he is as she hasn't seen him since she was 3 weeks old.

I dont know , but since he has violent past record , id get down and see a lawyer and try and keep him away legally. You have been throught hell with this man , you dont need anymore.

I know really don't need it, Unfortunately I'm just over the threshold for legal aid so gunna fight this on my own. I've got police records, restraining order and a dv support worker so should be ok

I'm sorry to say that he will almost certainly get contact of some sort. Unfortunately our system works on the basis that it's in the child's best interest to have contact with both parents. Sadly, being abusive doesn't rule out contact. That said, there are many forms of contact that can be ordered such as indirect contact, ie letters, or supervised contact at a contact centre. CAFCASS should be involved and they will make a welfare report to the court which should include details of the abusive background, thus enabling the judge to make a suitable and safe decision. As you are just over the legal aid threshold could you consider reducing your hours of work slightly so you do qualify? It would be much better for you to have legal representation. Also see if you have a local domestic abuse service, they may be able to offer you outreach support because it sounds as though you were/are at risk from this man. The Women's Aid national helpline on 0808 2000 247 will be able to tell you of local services that may be able to support you through this.

Thankyou very much for your replys. I have a support worker from the local DA service who the police refered me to

It says on the c100 from the court that my ex has tried mediation which i refused to participate with, the reason I refused mediation is because of the domestic abuse and threats he has mad towards me and the fact I have a restraining order against him. Will it look bad for me in court that I havn't tried mediation? or will the judge see that it is not appropriate.

hopefully judge will see it not approrpiate - you can write in your statement why mediation was not appropriate . soemtimes you have to spell things out...

went to court the other day, he turned up tracksuit, cap trainers and no solicitor. judge had to ask him to remove his cap and he has no representation which i think is a good thing hopefully he'll give up. were back at the end of the month he has to write a statement explaining his previous behaviour and why he opposes the name change