Thanks so much for the advice everyone. I ended up getting a phone call from the mom and we talked a lot about the situation. I didn't ask her anything but she just decided to tell me. I guess the dad was never physically abusive... just verbally. He cheated on her so they divorced. The dad got partial custody because his mom (the grandma) pushed him to do it so she could see the girl... but I guess the dad doesn't have much interest in the girl according to the mom.

She told me that he is nothing to worry about and doesn't even know where I'm located and whatnot. But she is going to bring me legal documents to show that he can only have her on the off days she's not here and that he's not allowed to pick her up from here.

I don't want to term her. I think my imagination was going crazy because of the mom's burn. I'm so relieved to know that wasn't going on. Although verbal abuse is horrible as well. I feel so bad for the children that are in the middle of these situations.

Again - thank you for all your advice!

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