Well he would not necessarily have to move
He could send the boy to temporarily live with relatives in another city or neighborhood.
I dont mean to say the father was thoughtless but when your childs life is in obvious danger you may have to get creative or even desperate.
Perhaps at a time like that you might have to think like the desperate people of the Great Depression and just put as many of your positions as you can in your car and head for California hoping for the best.
Today you might replace California with North Dakota.
There is no place to “run to” anywhere in the USA.
There is no place that is “safe” for anyone, as long as people like you still think innocent people running away will solve any problems.
I’d bet you both think restraining orders will work, when “the troubles” land at your door.
Where are you two going to run?