Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group

you still in that hotel Ruby? must be nice to have that free internet connection, bet it helps lots. How is your son doing?

After reading all the info and experiences posted ALREADY on this board I think you will find the answers to all your questions so take time to read. Lots of good advice already on this board so take time to read and learn.

Unfortunately Ruby, you will make mistakes. It's also really rare to be concerned about that at this stage.
I suggest you focus on no contact with him, settling up a life for you and your son, and getting a lawyer to start the divorce. And obviously, you need a place, because staying in a hotel forever isn't an option.

btw, did the cops put you up in that hotel or was it women's services? Was there no room at the shelters?

I may be moving in with a friend in a week or two once i am sure I do have full custody of my son. Luckly I am not married so I don't have to go through the divorce process.

My son is asleep right now. I know he would like to get outside, but am worried Mike is looking for us and would feel safer in this room

If he is as violent as you say, I would stay away from friends. You are putting them and yourself in danger. Also, I am certainly hoping you paid cash for the room and didn't use one of his credit cards - he could trace that.
You should contact your local abuse hotline and talk with them about developing a safety plan and formulating a next step.

Oh, and if Mike is listed on the birth certificate, than it's going to take a lot longer than a few weeks to determine custody. It could take years of court battles and you will need a lawyer.
You are amazingly calm about all this considering your life is in danger. Perhaps you should spend some time inside and just let your current situation fully sink in. Until the fear shows up fully, you risk doing something that will get you found.

I arranged with my work to leave work for the next two weeks. They know I have gone to a shelter and are keeping my position open for me.

I was afriad I would put my friends and co-workers in danger if I went back to work so I warned them and made proper arrangements before leaving. I am glad I have a boss who is understanding and loving. She is the best boss/supervisor. I will miss her dearly if I never see her again.

As for the hotel, the CC is mine, I always have paid for everything.

You really need to talk to your abuse line. There's no way this is going to be safe in just 2 weeks. I'm sorry to have to say that, but if he's truly an abuser, he will hunt you for quite some time.
For anyone who is looking to leave, please realize it is hard and takes a lot of time. Please read through all the good advice topics on here to understand what you are dealing with. Leaving is hard, and it takes a lot andit creates an enormous upheavel in life. Rebuilding takes time, regaining your emotions takes time.

For anyone thinking of leaving:
Please, please, please, do NOT trivialize the amount of danger that leaving puts you!!!

I will be entering the womens shelter monday. They will help me do the necessary paperwork to make sure I am safe. Thank you so much for responding to this topic. It helps to hear from other people.

so are you going to a shelter? I can promise you and son will be very very very safe there. Lots of great support too, being with others in the same boat as you. Some even pass out cell phones so you can phone 911 real quick if you are threatened.

Staying in a hotel or motel, any hotel or motel costs a bundle, and no place to cook means you have to buy meals out. Very spendy. The shelters have kitchens and provide food so you can prepare your own meals.