My 14-year-old rang me today and told me his father hit him in his face. His father and I have orders in place for shared care and custody of children. Father has a diagnosed personality order, and the orders restrict me from going to the police or children services without the permission of the family court first.
His father and I don't get along. My son has been hit before by his father. I've tried to explain to my son that it's only another four years and to try and not upset his father. I've also tried to explain that his father is the way he because of his personality disorder (diagnosed around 2008 or 2009 with Personality Disorder - Other). However this is the first time my son has told me of being hit in the face. He has told his grandparents (father's side) - nanna didn't do anything, poppa said to father 'don't hit him' but that's never stopped him before.
I've been trying to find something online to guide me but nothing is helping. My son is old enough to choose where he wants to live but the family court orders are there. He's being hit in the face but I'm hamstrung with orders as to being able help him. I've explained how the orders stop me from reporting it.
Can my son choose to stay with me despite the orders and since he's not safe there, and what are the ramifications if he does stay?
His father and I don't get along. My son has been hit before by his father. I've tried to explain to my son that it's only another four years and to try and not upset his father. I've also tried to explain that his father is the way he because of his personality disorder (diagnosed around 2008 or 2009 with Personality Disorder - Other). However this is the first time my son has told me of being hit in the face. He has told his grandparents (father's side) - nanna didn't do anything, poppa said to father 'don't hit him' but that's never stopped him before.
I've been trying to find something online to guide me but nothing is helping. My son is old enough to choose where he wants to live but the family court orders are there. He's being hit in the face but I'm hamstrung with orders as to being able help him. I've explained how the orders stop me from reporting it.
Can my son choose to stay with me despite the orders and since he's not safe there, and what are the ramifications if he does stay?