A sobering story; A humble request

Hello.

I am in need of advice and counsel for a major problem in my life. I wanted to share a small portion of my story and my problem so that if there are others who happen to be in my unfortunate position, they can voice themselves as well. So, lets get started.

The problem is my father (read:asshole as that is what I will be calling him for the story. Long amount of back story short, he was the none too well father. Anger issues, mental and physical abuse of me (his daughter) and constant intimidation and a small amount of brainwashing. I, my asshole, and my grandmother all lived in the apartment I still live in today. He has since left when I was 14 years old, but still tormented me with his baggage and overwhelming need to discipline me. Time went on, I grew up, graduated high school and college, discovered worthwhile friendships, gained a mind of my own and intelligence to boot.

This is the part I need help on.

I graduated from a 2 year college in NY state. Associates degree, basically. For the past 2 years I have been working to pay off my student loans and return to school for my bachelors/ Masters. When it comes to my asshole, I DID NOT want to go to him for any kind of money. I played that game during my last college experience and it ended with him almost making me drop out before I graduated due to financial problems.

I go to the college I wish to apply to and they tell me the only way to get financial aid is from my legal guardian. I can in no way (other than paying with a check), get any kind of grant, loan, or scholarship without HIS TAX FORMS. I was livid. I could not go to my mother because she has never had legal custody over me, long story.

I ask him, he puts it off. I ask him, he argues with me. I ask him january of this year, and he says wait until my tax forms come in because he wants to "try to see if he can use my tax forms for the school since I have work history". Whatever, I thought. As long as he files his and I get to straighten out my financial problem.

Over the course of the next few months, I've given him my W-2 forms and let him handle the tax filing process. They get filed and I'm told that I can reapply now. All good, right? Wrong.

I received a refund check in the mail and he calls me to tell me "you are going to receive two refunds, one you can do with whatever, the second give it to me."

I was highly suspicious. One, because of who I was dealing with, and two, they came in my name and they were addressed to me. Why should I "give" him anything? I want to know exactly what happened when he filed both of our taxes, how I ended up getting two refunds back, and why. So I do not give it to him. And today was that day.

And do you know he tore my room up and physically assaulted me? Tried to break my computer moniter (thank god he didn't), threw all of my clothes on the floor, went through all of my personal belongings. But not before shoving me to the floor several times and trying to break my phone after learning I called the police on him. They came and he left with them, and 8 hours later here I am at my mothers place, typing this story.

I need some advice about several things:

Why was he so unsually angry about me not handing over a federal refund when 1. It was not that much money to begin with and 2. It came in my name and unless I signed it over to him, it is useless.

I feel as though he has done something fraudulent and want to know what it was exactly, where should I go to investigate?

Does this incident merit me putting a restraining order out on him in the legal system?

How can I possibly apply to college without his tax files?

Thank you for listening to a small bit of my sad story and I appreciate all who can help or even just share their own experiences. Sorry if this was sloppily typed.