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Spurgeons and Dad.Info doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find advice on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
My wife and I separated in December 2023 after I had her arrested for non violent domestic abuse. The police didn't bring any charges and she was released without charge. I was offered very limited victim support by the police. Social services were contacted and I was interviewed. My wife declined to be interviewed.
We have been living at the same property since the initial arrest. I moved out of the house into a single room separate annex after living in the same house became too stressful for the children and us as parents.
In April of this year, my wife had me arrested for common assault which I was not charged with and released with no further action after 5 hours.
A week later, my wife text me to tell me that she had taken out an Ex Parte Non Molestation order and Occupation Order against me and that I should attend court within the hour. I was unable to attend the Ex Parte hearing and the judge ruled that a first hearing should be arranged 2 weeks later so I had the right to defend myself. I spent nearly £20k in legal fees in preparation and was eventually advised that agreeing to undertakings was my best option unless I could afford another £35K to go to a final hearing to have the NMO dismissed. Against my better judgement and not having the funds I agreed and the NMO & OO were dismissed based on me agreeing to the undertakings.
Since May of this year, we have been only permitted to communicate via the Our Family Wizard App about our children. All other communication was to be via solicitors. Throughout this time my wife has continually breached the terms of the undertakings by contacting me via OFW about matters not relating to our children. She continues to threaten me with calling the police to report any breaches she feels I have made if I respond to her messages and she doesn't get the answer she wants. I live in constant fear and intimidation.
The original orders were bought under false allegations but I wasn't able to afford to challenge her in court. This was entirely used to put her in a position to control the legal process during our divorce which is now underway. My question is can I report her for years of mental, financial and pyschological abuse or bring a counter NMO against her by going to the police? I can't afford to spend huge amounts on legal fees and what likelihood is there of getting a costs order for the £20K spent defending the original case?
I have suffered severe mental health issues since the original case in May 2024 and I'm at a point where I can no longer continue to tolerate her ongoing abuse and level of stress. The impact on my relationship with my chidren has also been hugely damaging.
Any advice or ideas where to turn would be appreciated.
hi,
sorry to hear this. £20k fees for non mol hearings is pretty outrageous. Courts will only make cost orders against a party if their conduct has been very unreasonable through proceedings. see:
https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/seeking-costs-in-court/
I don't think making counter non mol will help your situation, and probably affect your mental health more.
what are your current arrangements for seeing children?