Son Has Been Victim Of Domestic Assault

[Smowball]

My son has been attacked by an ex girlfriend - twice in one week. Once was when he was trying to break up with her. She launched herself at him and has gouged the skin out of his chest, arms and back with her nails, and given him a black eye. She also threw a sharp kitchen knife at him and smashed his prescription glasses up. He is smothered in deep scratches and cuts and bruises.
The second time was the next day and he was going for a walk with his friend in a local park when out of nowhere she appeared from behind a hedge and punched him straight in the mouth, splitting his lip. (I suspect she followed him)
Everyone has pleaded with him to go to the police but he refuses, as he is absolutely terrified she will turn the tables and cry rape or something. The staff where he is living have taken photographic evidence of all his injuries and they are really worried for his safety, as they are scared she could be carrying a knife next time, and I agree with them.
We just don’t know what to do. She can’t just get away with this - her family are known to be v unpleasant. She also has two children which is worrying.
Anybody have any words of advice/suggestions please as I’d be most grateful x

[Smowball]

How long after an incident can you report it to the police, or is there a time limit??

[albaqwerty]

Hi Smow xx
There will be a limit but obviously the sooner a report is made the better.
Take the domestic out of the equation, it's an ex so therefore your son has been assaulted.

[Arksided]

If he's not interested then taking pictures of said scars etc... at a later date will be more difficult to prove.

[horselady]

I worked with a chap in his 40's who was the victim of domestic abuse. Only very few of us knew about the horrendous home life he had, he wouldn't leave because he couldn't bear to leave his children, he was waiting until they grew up. I am retired now and wonder if he ever did leave, I hope so.

[waterboatman]

My first wife could be violent. She stabbed me twice!

[TonyV]

Blimey Boaty you have been in the wars in more than one way.

[waterboatman]

You ain't wrong there Tony!

[TonyV]

Not amusing but Jens first husband was abusive physically to her, whilst he was having an affair, we still see him around occasionally and he sometimes drops into the house. Changed man since he found the church with new wife, but I have to restrain myself from hitting him every time I see him.

[Smowball]

I don’t flipping blame you!!

[waterboatman]

I don't either tony!

[TonyV]

It would split the family up, Jens children are still coming to terms with the violence they saw. He wants to have contact with his Grandchildren, Jens daughter will have nothing to do with him, their son is more compliant.

[Smowball]

Tony it can be so complicated can’t it.

[waterboatman]

Never an easy situation Tony. There is no easy answer.

[TonyV]

No life moves on its just his smoozing, last time I bumped in to him was only a few weeks ago, and behaving holier than though.