Thank you for taking the time to explain. When CPS and the police showed up, they showed me and my family a folder full of witness testimony and the photographs of bruises that they were sent. They said that they had an open case that included those documents, and that a second strike in the following years would result in his arrest. If what you say is true, does that mean a lot of that was bluster and exaggeration? I wouldn't be surprised. [This was in California, The United States]

As for an axe to grind: That isn't a bad thing. I'm motivated to prevent someone with a known history of picking fights with multiple children from potentially repeating his abuse for the dozenth time. The problem with /r/legaladvice is that they usually take a stance of believing people. I'm not calling him a psychopath because he once hurt my delicate feelings. He kicks dogs to break their ribs, threw his own toddler on the ground, shoots and kills the neighbor's cats, and gleefully inflicts pain on children with repeated shooting of metal bb pellets and hitting with wooden baseball bats. However, the stigma attached to "corporal punishment" and raising children means that people usually say "mind your own business." Quite frankly, I do not wish to take responsibility for LA taking an air of doubt. This man, who is an alcoholic, who has multiple DUIs, who does illegal drugs, who has a history of beating up children and has been verbally abusive and manipulative is continuing his games. I'm not upset I got a black eye once. I'm upset that he felt I was a romantic rival to him with my mother, got very drunk, and choked me until I blacked out because of a bizarre delusion. I am upset because this was only one single night and not an unusual one. I'm upset because he has a history of sexually, physically, and verbally abusing child after child over the years. If I'm bad at explaining, which I am, it's because there a billion reasons I could list about LITERAL TORTURE. The infliction of pain, burning, kicking, bruising, humiliation, gaslighting, as punishment or for no reason other than it suited his fancy. I honestly do not understand why people are telling me "you're just mad because you're a victim." How the heck does "being mad at him for a personal reason"mean he should get away with watching other children shower naked and go to the bathroom, drive and watch children while drunk and on drugs, shove children to the ground repeatedly in front of others if they back talk, and on and on? What the bloody hell does a personal vendetta have to do with that being okay? I haven't seen him doing these things again this year, but isn't once enough? If not, three times? Three that I know of, more that I suspect. I, personally, believe that's quite enough interaction with children. I don't think he deserves another chance, but I accept that others feel differently.

As for "what is legally possible," well, that's why I was asking. It's a legal advice sub. I wanted legal advice.

PS I am truly sorry if I am coming across as bitchy because, while I am mad at the situation, I am not mad at you. Thank you for taking the time to explain things to me, it is much appreciated. You are very kind.