lox,

In any custody hearing, you will want to be able to speak compassionately about your ex, sincerely hoping she will get help, and hoping that her broken relationship with her daughter can someday be healed for your daughter's sake-- so that the court does not interpret your accusations about the harmful behavior as the revenge of a former lover. BuT you also need to be proactive about getting your daughter protected.

What means do you have of documenting what happened with this awful "visitation" experience? Do you keep written notes of what occurs, and how you learned about it? Do you have anyone who can speak of it, as a witness, other than your daughter?

Did you take a picture of your daughter's condition (red bottom)?

And... how did you learn where she had taken your daughter that night? If it was from your ex, can you tape her saying it again?

Is there anyone who can follow her when she is next due to have time with her daughter?

It isn't pretty in the trenches, when it comes to custody issues. Is your attorney well-versed in the ins and outs?

~Susan