I'm older and wiser now...

...but when I was 17-18 I broke up with a violent de-facto who I had been with for 2 years. And we didn't have any children.

So its not the same as your situation - but I just want you to know that you have made the right decision for you and your son.
And it is incredibly painful to get through this time of your life - but you will get through it - and each month it will hurt a little bit less.

By letting go of your violent partner - you become a stronger person - and you gain more self respect - and demand more respect from future partners. When I left my partner - I swore I would never get involved with a violent guy again - and I never did. And as a result I have had some wonderful relationships and now have the most amazing husband. You too will find a guy who will love you and your son unconditionally. But there is no rush. You've got a huge life ahead of you. (I got married at 35 and had my first child at 37yo).

Bellybelly is a great place to be able to talk to people.
If you need some "real" people to be with, maybe you could join a mothers group or play centre, where there will be other mums with kids too. Or talk to your maternal nurse about your situation and they may be able to help you with a support group.

What to do now? One day at a time. If you don't want to talk to him right now - just say that he needs to respect your decision right now - and that you need some time and space. Now that you you have split up - he has no say in who you see or get involved in. He may not like that - but that's just something he's going to have to deal with.


Good luck with everything. And good on you for having the courage to make the tough decisions.