Anon 009

During her relationship and pregnancy, her partner controlled, insulted and physically hurt her. She also experienced racism. He called her fat, ugly and a bad mother, and threatened to take their son away.

After separating, she continued trying to support her son's contact with his father while protecting him from the behaviour she had experienced. In 2023, her former partner took their son and made allegations that she had abused him. She says those accusations were false.

Social services investigated for six months while she was pregnant with her second child. She says the investigation established that the allegations were untrue and recognised her as a good mother. Nevertheless, at the time of her submission, her son remained outside her care. Weekly video calls offered contact, but could not replace holding him or caring for him in person.

She describes her childhood trauma being used against her and the lasting impact of accusations that still shape how others see her. Repeated proceedings have affected her mental health. She wants her son's wellbeing and their relationship to be understood, rather than being dismissed as a “bitter baby mama”.

She works, raises her children, takes photographs and helps others develop confidence and skills. Those activities bring purpose, but the pain of separation remains. She continues hoping for regular in-person contact with her son.