Domestic Violence- how to protect me and my child ?

Q: I have recently left an abusive relationship, I have children with my ex partner and want help on what I can legally do to:

A) Keep him away from me and my children and mother

B) Have full custody of my children.

A: You should get assistance as soon as possible.  Seek a good family lawyer who does these types of cases. A lawyer can apply for a protection order for you. You can also apply for a parenting order( used to be called custody) In some cases these applications can be made and granted by a Judge the same day.  You may not allow unsupervised  contact by him or her or even any contact by your ex partner until you have talked to a lawyer.

Do you need a free lawyer? You should ask if the lawyer does legal aid work as this may take pressure off you if some or all costs are paid for by the state.