keep me a safe >>i fled a abusive relationship 2 years ago?

Question

And the csa are asking me to claim child maintenance ive sent back the forms opting out to claim as im scared of my ex finding out my where abouts but that doesnt seem good enough as now ive got an interview with them asking why im want to opt out claiming I havent slept since and am starting to have panic attacks when i was in a refuge income support excepted my reasons and now im in a council flat with my daughter it seems my answers and worries arent good enough!

Answer 1

Look you got to get a grip of yourself....you need to gain some confidence...this man is not going to hurt you no more....you are strong now and that kind of man only attacks vunerable people....get some kip and stop paniking...for your own sake.....the csa have no right and will not pass on any of your details to the childs father....so just tell them who he is...and make him pay whats expected of him,

Answer 2

You do have the right to opt out if you believe that claiming would put you and your daughter at risk.
Of course the CSA are going to try to get you to claim but you should be firm and opt out if you think this is necessary.
Maybe you shouldn't worry too much about the interview, it could only be a formality to update and get you to sign a written statement about the past abuse and your present situation.
However I don't know a lot about how they go about things, and if you're still worried you need to get proper advice and support. You could try your local Citizen's Advice Bureau, also have a look at their website. You might also be able to contact the people at the refuge still for some advice, and organisations like Women's Aid should be able to help.
Good luck.

Answer 3

The CSA cannot make you claim child maintenance from a previous violent partner but they will need proof as some people claim this so the ex doesn't have to go through the system and gives the money directly to them, you can tell them that you are prepared to lose benefit rather than he finds out where you are and then they will see that you are genuine.

Answer 4

hi i know exactly what u r going through as i was in the same situation 3 years ago with the csa and i opted out then was called in for an interview i went in and explained the situation and they were quite understanding. it helps if u take someone along i went with a helper from the refuge who helped me to explain the situation they cant force you. then about a year ago i plucked up the strenghth and went to csa and claimed and it was ok as my partner did not recieve any of my personal information and all payments went through the csa. try not to worry too much as they are there to help. good luck

Answer 5

I suggest going to the interview and explaining to them exactly why you do not wish to claim. They may be able to make sure that you can claim without your ex does finding out where you live - afterall they are bound by data protection law.

Please do not let this worry you - no one can force you into anything, including claiming child support. The CSA just have your children's best interests in mind.

Good luck.

Answer 6

ok, you need to let CSA know all of this... here in Ohio in the USA there is a clause about "emotional, physical and mental abuse" when collecting child support. ask your case worker about this... they will point you in the right direction! they can't force you to claim support in these circumstances... and they can't force you to let him see the child, either... seek a lawyer, too...

Answer 7

You will have to disclose it all. If you must get a restraining order so he can't come around, one for the child also. You have the right for protection, and someone will help you, you just have to fight for your rights.

Answer 8

Go to the interview and explain them. Make sure they don't inform your ex and you go there with proof of the abuse if you can find some.
Good luck SURVIVOR !