My partner and I plan to marry in 2009 I have a son from a previous relationship who my partner has bought up from a very young age the biological father of my son was violent to me for many months and has convictions for the abuse he put mt through he has no contact with my son but his name is on the birth certificate. My current partner has been there for my son and would like to adopt him can I do this without my ex's permission as I couldn't face him after the trauma he has caused me. Please help I only want the best for my son

No you cannot do it without the bio father's permission. You do NOT have to face him though. You need a lawyer to file adoption papers, let the lawyer do it.