Domestic assault and child custoday

Sorry for the long post but I really need some help with this

Long story short my baby is a few months old and her father and myself are not together. He was verbally abusive and disrespectful (I have text messages to prove this) during my pregnancy which is why we broke up. This continued throughout my pregnancy. He came to the hospital when she was born and so did his parents we had no problems the first two weeks after she was born. Also just to mention he is not on her birth certificate. Since coming home he has only seen her once. He has not provided for her finically since birth. He doesn’t have an ideal living situation currently. During my pregnancy he went to jail twice once for marijuana possession and once for domestic assault, the assault wasn’t on me I’m not really sure the full story of the situation. Since being pregnant we have not been alone together because I don’t feel safe around him which is a lot mentioned in text messages also. He also has made a comment in messages while I was pregnant “you’re going to make me do something I really don’t want to do” I’m not sure what that means clearly but it doesn’t sound good. Today he asked me when will I allow him to keep her. I am not comfortable with him keeping her alone. He has always had an open invitation to come spend time with her my family has always been extremely welcoming to him. If I attempt to take him to court what will happen ? Should I take him to court? I do not want child support I’m only seeking a custody agreement. Please help all positive advice is welcomed.