Men often say they are sorry afterwards, make promises and say they'll never do it again. Often women who have left return to violent partners because of these promises, and there may be a 'honeymoon' period when he appears to be the perfect partner. However, most abusers will abuse again, maybe in a different form, and women should be wary of their promises. Children need a father. Children who experience domestic violence suffer emotionally and some may also be physically or sexually abused.
Many women leave when they see the effects on their children of their partner's abuse.
Children's emotional and physical health tends to improve when they come into refuges. Children need love and security, which they can get from their mother, more than they need a 'father figure', especially one whom they know to be abusive to their mother. Some children of abused women do, however, have a good relationship with their father, and want to continue to see him. Access visits can be arranged to allow this to happen. Women and children have a right to a life free from violence for the sake of both the women and the children.