I am new to this site. But I need advice from anyone that can help. I recently split with my boyfriend of 6 years. We have a 4 month old daughter together. We broke up because he is a very violent man. He would hit me and call me a f***en B**ch all the time. But I know he loves our daughter and would never hurt her. I lived with him after I had the baby. But the other day I just couldn't take his abuse anymore and went to my moms house with the baby. 3 days later he comes barging into my moms house and takes her away. He took her at night time too. He wasn't going to put a blanket around her or put her in a baby seat. My mom had to run after him to give him blankets and the car seat. I don't want to take him to court, but I might have to. My question is would they give me custody of her? I am currently unemployed with no income. I live in Los Angeles. He has a Dr. jeckle/Ms.hyde personality. So no one would ever believe he was abusive. Sometimes when he gets angry he would trash the entire room. Then he would pull my hair and kick me. But he made sure not to leave a bruise on me. I was always fearful of him, but always forgave him because I thought he would change. I feel so alone because his family will help him get custody. I am a good mother. I stay up all night to take care of her while he gets to sleep. I take her to her doctor appointments. He just always stays home. He doesnt't even know how to take care of her. His mom helps him with the baby. What should I do? I am crying all night because I miss my baby. This will be my first night without her. If I tried to get her back, he wouldn't even let me in the house. I am too scared to even see him. I don't know what to do. Can anyone help me? Do I need a lawyer. I can't afford one though. HELP! =(