"Should I leave because the children are being affected by the abuse in the home?"

"Should I stay because the children need their father?"

"Should I return because the children really need two parents?"

These are common questions asked by women with children who live in abusive relationships (physical, emotional and sexual). They are concerned about how their children are being affected and what they are learning as a result of the abuse in the home. Doing the right thing for the children is often the main concern of women in their decision to stay, leave or return to an abusive partner, whether he is the biological father or not. Women hope their children will be able to escape the negative effects of the abuse and not repeat the cycle as they grow into adulthood.

Children living in a home where there is domestic violence are affected in a number of ways and their reactions can vary. They may experience a wide range of feelings as they try to cope with the abusive situation.