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/ Child Support & Custody Support Group

Supervised visits without proof of abuse

scared4
scared4

Is it possible to get custody with supervised visits if evidence of sexual abuse by the father is inconclusive? My 4 year old spontaneously told me my husband touched her private parts. The incident was reported but not enough evidence surfaced to prove it happened. Do I have any chance of getting supervised visits or will my asking for this likely backfire and lead the court to say I am unfit as a mother for suggesting abuse when there is no proof of it? A lawyer with expertise in sexual abuse told me this would happen but another lawyer said this wasn't necessarily the case. Is it better to just seek full custody without the supervised visits? How do I keep my child safe?

BE0312
BE0312
Good morning Scared4... I can 100% respect your concern about your daughter; however, courts do have to have evidence rather than a voice of a concerned parent. Is your daughter in counseling? I feel this is going to be your best bet in getting your supervised visitation - also what is best for your daughter. When you inform the counselor/therapist of your concerns, they will then start attempting to discuss it with your daughter and if they feel they have a reason to be concerned for her safety, they are mandatory reporters and have to report that they feel there is sexual abuse going on in the home. They then, may have to testify in court or provide documentation of their concern. It wont be an overnight fix, but overall I feel your daughter going to counseling is going to help both her, and you. Best of luck, praying for you!
Leigh_1980
Leigh_1980
I second getting her in counseling. The counselor will be able to document everything in a way the court will accept.
As for supervised visits, my ex got a TRO with a bunch and exaggerations and lies about me. Get a good lawyer and and petition for one.
sayNOtoAbuse
sayNOtoAbuse
Don't take me wrong. Your child is just 4yrs old. First try of find out if dad happened to touch private area while bathing the child, dressing the child, cleaning the child after potty etc.
If the child says 'yes' then may be it's not abuse.
However if child reports of any insertion, photography or things like that. Then this could be serous sex abuse. Before you react, find out the true facts first.bcoz finding facts helps big way