Hi Hazel,
If you have genuine concerns for your child’s safety, as her mother, you have every right to protect her and do what is in her best interest.
Best next step is to get specialist, legal advice. Rights of Women give free legal advice around this and understand the dynamics of domestic abuse.
Also, your local domestic abuse service may be able to help you to access legal support. They can also provide any emotional and practical help you need. This is also a free service.
The Coram Children’s Legal Centre provide free legal resources with advice and information on all aspects of family, child and education law, including relationship breakdown; parental disputes, duties of children’s services; child protection. They can be contacted on 0300 330 5480 (8am-6pm, Mon-Fri): http://childlawadvice.org.uk/
Family Lives provide support to parents under stress, can make local referrals, and have a forum for parents. They are contactable on 0808 800 2222 (Mon-Fri, 9am-9 pm, and 10am-3pm Sat & Sun); they also have a live chat (Mon-Fri 1.30-9pm) available through the website: http://www.familylives.org.uk
I hope this is useful to you.
All the best,
Lisa