What would you say/do if your friend told you that

[BertieBotts]

Her "partner" picked their refusing-to-walk 3 year old up by the arm and dragged and shoved him along the pavement, then pushed him towards the ground (he didn't fall) and stormed off, so leaving him unrestrained next to a road?

She says it's "out of character" for him, what she means is (it's fucking not) that it's the first time he's physically assaulted their child.

Forgot to add - she said she would kick him out if she could (her name is not on the tenancy) and she would move out if she had somewhere to go, but it would have to be somewhere available straight away where she wouldn't need any money (because she has none) and where she could stay for as long as needed (so she won't come to me). Trying to persuade her a refuge would take her, but would they?? I've heard so many stories recently about women being turned away :( Plus she keeps telling me "But Bertie, you are the only person I know who thinks it would be the right thing to get out in such a dramatic way. My friends keep telling me it's just his personality and I should tell him how it makes me feel." (Yes I'm afraid I told her her friends are all idiots...)

I would say, "Your partner has physically abused your child and put him in danger. It's up to you what you want to do about that."

She needs to speak to her health visitor. Or she could go down the homeless route, stating it is unreasonable for her to return to the property because he is abusive towards the child. They are then duty bouind to put her into temporary accomodation and from which get housed, whether through a rent deposit scheme or a council or housing association property.

Oh, that's interesting Ellen, I did not know that could be an option. I will tell her, thank you.

Cailin that's pretty much what I did say except with more emphasis on the you have to do SOMETHING part. Don't know if she will, though.

You can be accepted as homeless if its "unreasonable to return to a property that you have a legal right to occupy". In this case she doesnt even have a tenancy. Might be worth giving shelter a call.

I wasn't sure, because when XP was being emotionally abusive/controlling to me, I was told it was discretionary, and since there are no injuries etc to her little boy I didn't think it would be counted, but in my case I was on the tenancy... Yes Shelter is a good idea, thank you :)