Help leaving a relationship with a baby

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Hi everyone, just wanting to reach out and get some advice…

I’m currently private renting with my boyfriend and our 5 month old. Stupidly I resigned a contract a few months back for another year starting now.

I’m really not happy in this relationship as he is a ticking time bomb, this evening has done it for me as he got angry and threw a plate at our living room window which smashed. Luckily my baby was asleep in the bedroom and he was the first thing I checked when this happened and he was still fast asleep. I am not happy and cannot stay in this relationship any longer, I put my baby first and I know the best thing would be to leave asap.

Unfortunately I’m not in the financial state to move out and rent alone due to being on mat leave. I can’t move into my parents long term as they are far away and this wouldn’t work for my work when I’m due back in January.

Has anyone been in the same situation where they’ve reached out to the council for help? Will this just result in me being put in a shelter if I’m declared ‘homeless’?

Another thing is the contract I now have for another year… I don’t think my situation will get me out of it.

I’ve realised I’ve just been rambling so apologies if you’ve made it this far! Just really looking for some advice on what I can do as I know I can’t stay here any longer but I’m scared.

OP please contact women's aid. You're in abusive relationship and you don't feel safe. There is help out there.

Is it a joint tenancy or just in your name?

Sorry should’ve been more clear, it’s a joint one

So sorry you’re going through this.
Youre making the right decision. Agree with PP, women’s aid first point of call. Would you be able to call the landlord / estate agent to have a conversation about the situation you’re in? Though speak to women’s aid first - they’ll advise better

Contact the National Domestic Abuse helpline tonight for advice. Contact Shelter re your housing situation.

Thanks everyone for your help will definitely get in touch with all of the above for help

Been in a similar situation myself. I did manage to get the letting agency to end the tenancy early. Be aware they don't have to, but I explained my situation and that the police had advised me not to return to live with my ex and that I had to follow police advice to protect my child.They agreed after that as long as they could find a new tenant and I paid a fee for them to readvertise the property (about £200). They did find someone within a month.

Before moving to my parent's house, I was offered hotel accommodation as temporary shelter until they found me somewhere more suitable (which they didn't). Otherwise the option was private renting using my savings. However, I live in an area where demand for housing is extremely high, yours might be different.

Make lots of phone calls to Women's Aid, Shelter, Citizens Advice and the Council as suggested above before leaving. It may be that you live with your parents until Mat Leave is over and then use the income from you job in January to rent a place closer to the job. Your child will be eligible for funded childcare then which may help you earn more to pay the rent.