xx

Hi Allie
If you have taken 6 months to reach this conclusion then you have obviously thought hard about it and it's not just a snap decision. You deserve to have a happy life for you and your child without constantly living in fear. After the first blow has been struck(for whatever excuse)more often than not a second blow follows with broken promises of never again.

But,perhaps you could have a family friend who could be at your house and quietly approach your husband about receiving counselling.If this does not work then you could discuss that the marriage is not working out and ask him his sugestions.

But, what I can advise you before you do anything, is to get together all the papers and copies of papers relating to the house and finances that you might need in in court.Make sure you will have continued acess to money for you and your son to live off. If your husband is the main Credit Card holder and you have a secondary card then he can cancel your card. If your bank account is in joint names with either name as signatories then he can clean out that account. I know this sounds awful, but it's better to be prepared.
I didn't prepare. So my sxtb stopped my money for three months and it's difficult for me to prove anything as I have no papers.
Good Luck
Dizzy

Hi I haven't the answers regarding legalities i'm afraid, but I've been in a similar situation whereby my X attacked me 3 times over the space of 4 years. The first time was the hardest for him, but the last time was obviously the easiest, with talk of 'getting help' but actually never doing so.
I can say this confidently - once it starts, it never stops! Not without the violator getting help. You are right to protect you and your son. Before you become concerned about the house and money etc... follow your instincts to protect yourselves immediately x
Good luck
Janine

Contact your local domestic violence unit and women's aid.