I'd add to that a little.
If you must try to believe that they won't hit you/cheat/drink/gamble your life savings/* again then at least plan for the possibility they may be lying.
I do think it is possible for people to change -- but they should not be trusted until they have earned it.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 20 May 2010, 17:43, 1 reply)

exactly.
fool me once, shame on me. fool me twice, run like fuck because i WILL kick your head in
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Thu 20 May 2010, 17:44, closed)

I thought I should allow for change.
A big factor is how he/she deals with it too.
If they tell you not to tell but don't allow you to have your own money, for example, then go.
If they love you they'll be sorry, understand the problem, and earn your trust.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 20 May 2010, 18:29, closed)

it is possible to change and be genuinely sorry
but if it happened to me, i don't think i'd ever trust him again
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Thu 20 May 2010, 18:32, closed)