Quote: I just honestly wanted to tell SOMEONE that he hasn't always been the nicest to me!
My only question about this topic is how frequent did you guys have physical altercations? It's important to be very careful that you classify these incidents properly.
Once you start down the 'abusive husband' path you will start a process that will take over your life and you will not be able to stop it.
I have NO DOUBT that the things you have mentioned really happened. None. He sounds like someone who has some anger management issues. Given the things you guys have gone through recently and the fact that you haven't said that he has been abusive during his last visit implies to me that it is not 'normal' for him to do these things, that they are exceptions. And during the last visit you guys were pretty angry at each other.
Please, be clear on this. I know men who have been unfairly labeled as 'wife batterers' and kept away from their kids. I don't think the incidents you mention are right for him to do and I want to make sure you do what's best for you to take care of yourself.
If this has been a 'pattern' then please let someone know. If it is 'rare' then also let someone know and be clear it is rare. I've seen courts tear apart a family when the problem could be fixed with anger management and other counseling.
Kids need their father in their lives, even if it's just 'a little' as it seems like it will be right now.
Please Please Please make sure you take care of yourself. Whatever you do from this point forward is going to affect you for the next 20 years. He will always be your kids father and you will see him and interact with him because of that.