what should I do? please help?

I have been single for 9 months. I have 2 kids with my ex boyfriend. We was together for 5 years.

Well, we broke up because he called me names all the time... He also hit me a couple of time. He drinks allot... He never bought stuff for the kids like what they needed. He would get paid and go straight to the bar and drink drink.

When we broke up he called me names. Like I was lazy, a b*tch, a user. And I told him all I wanted you to do is take care of your kids like a real man should. And he hit me in my face and blacked my eye. And I ended up calling the police and he got arrested for hitting me and I threw him out and haven't seen him since.

Well, he called me the other day saying that he wanted to see the kids. And even asked me if I would take him back and when I told him no. He just kept on and on with the name calling and he told me that I wouldn't find another man because of the kids. And that he is the only person that would ever be with me. And that made me think.

And I was wondering if I should stay single and wait for the right person to come into my life or should I take him back for the sake of my kids.