Chris Brown: A Tune No One Can Afford to Play

According to the site "E"On-Line, in what they hype as "exclusive," they claim Rihanna and Chris Brown may come together again to sign a duet during an "American Idol broadcast on the same stage?  There is also a quote from Rihanna's manager saying it's not true.  But is it true?

Are the powers that sell records and book concerts testing the waters to get a pulse on the public's reaction?

Remember, Chris Brown brutally beat Rihanna on February 15, 2009, just over three years ago.  The picture we all saw around the globe was horrifying. Rihanna did not surface much or give interviews with the exception of the hour long interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC's Prime Time to discuss what happened.  The beating was the first felony charge for Brown, he was sentenced to community service and probation until 2014.Since the beating, he's been in various altercations of sorts with his temper, but has so far remained free from a jail cell.

Although Chris Brown was not sentenced to jail time, he has been sentenced by the public court of opinion for his criminal behavior.  Just recently Brown performed at the Grammy's but not without public outcry.


There are a lot of fans asking to give Chris Brown another chance.  That Brown was only 19 years of age when he beat his then girlfriend Rihanna.  For someone like Chris Brown, it's not likely he will change anytime soon.  Once angry and violent, it always escalates into angrier and more dangerous.  This is a pot on a stove ready to boil over at any given time.

Teen Dating Expert and Columnist Susie Kroll said on her site earlier today, 

"about the rumors surrounding Chris Brown and Rihanna getting back together and the dangerous ramifications to our teens. We know that abused women and girls often return to the abuser several times, sometimes putting themselves in lethal danger. To do this while the public is watching sends extremely bad messages, and, yes, it comes with the territory of celebrity, just like the big black Bentley Brown drives. Chris Brown and Rihanna are role models to millions of teens and tweens all over the world, they could have made several responsible decisions after the incident, but neither seems to have done that."

There is a responsibility with being in the spotlight especially when the audience is made up of mostly teenagers.  There is also a responsibility from the media to not fuel this garbage in an attempt to get traffic or ratings to your sites.  Domestic Violence is a serious crime, not to be used on national stage, treated and promoted like a reuniting of a once popular circus act.

There is nothing entertaining about attempted murder!

Related articles

• Is Chris Brown Melting Down? (susiekroll.com)
• Chris Brown & Our Inner Toddler (neilschori.com)
• Why We Should Ignore Chris Brown and Rihanna (theroot.com)
• Rihanna And Chris Brown's Friends Don't Want Then To Get Back With Each Other (lukewilliamsgossip.wordpress.com)

"YOU DON'T OWN ME"

Over 46 years ago Leslie Gore released the smash hit "You Don't Own Me." Back then I am not sure if the young artist understand that her words would have such a profound meaning in 2010, but they do! The song was recorded again for the movie the first wives club released in 1996. The lyrics are important " Don't tell me what to do and don't tell me what to say" and more importanly "you don't own me." For young women dating this is the message that needs to be placed in their heads, sent in emails, and in daily text messaging formats and instant twitter communications: "you don't own me."

Maybe we might save a few in the future from headlines of their own on the news because they were killed by an abusive husband or boyfriend. See, they never got the message. Or they listened and believed the lyrics in a song by a girl your daughters age, idolized by millions, whom came close herself in February of 09 to being carried off in a designer body bag.

Today, your teenagers many are without your knowledge in harmful dating relationships listening to songs like the one Rihanna recently recorded with famed abuser and rap artist eminem the song titled "Love The Way You Lie." They (your teenagers) believe that violence is accceptable, maybe even enjoyable because a woman by the name of Rihanna a victim herself, beaten and bloodied by singer Chris Brown for all the world see, is basically saying come on its not so bad to live in fear or be beaten. What is the worst that can happen? Hey like in their video you will be burned to death by a man who claims he loves you. That is the message the song is sending to your kids. Go ahead, try it. You have nothing to lose but your life.

The lyrics in the song are deadly ..."just gonna stand there and watch me burn- stand there and hear me cry that’s alright because I love the way you lie” then the rap artist abuser chimes in and sings "I love you too much to walk away I apolioze if she every tries to f...cking leave again I am going to tie her to the bed and watch her burn." Their video you will just have to go to youtube and watch, I refuse to put a link to it.

(Susan Murphy Milano, is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction & Public Psychopathy Education for more information visit http://www.saferelationships.com/ and is the author of the new book "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and where ever books are sold.)

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" from Courage Network on Vimeo.

Teenagers and Dating Violence: On The Susan Murphy Milano Show: 4:00 PM EST- Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Singer Rihanna was a victim of intimate partner abuse. Last year her face plastered on every newspaper, radio and Internet site after the beating she suffered at the hands of then boyfriend, Chris Brown. Females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence than any other age group – at a rate almost triple the national average. (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence and Age of Victim, 1993-99 (Oct.2001, rev. 11/28/01).

Today's guest is Susie Kroll, an expert in teen dating violence, will discuss healthy teen dating relationships and how they translate into strong and healthy adult relationships.

And why parents don't think to have discussions with their dating teenagers about potential threats that can arise and what to do to protect themselves.

Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Time: 4:00 PM EST and 3:00 PM CST

You can listen to the show live, and participate in the chat room, the direct link for the show is HERE

We will take your calls live. The number to call in with questions or comments is 347-326-9337
(Susan Murphy Milano, is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction & Public Psychopathy Education for more information visit http://www.saferelationships.com/ and is the author of the new book "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and where ever books are sold.)

Singer Chris Brown Denied Singing For His Supper

It seems that Chris Brown will not be able to sing for his super anytime soon in Europe. The convicted felon was turned down on his Visa application and denied access into the United Kingdom.

According to a statement released by officials:

"We reserve the right to refuse entry to the UK to anyone guilty of a serious criminal offense. Public safety is one of our primary concerns."

Maybe Chris Brown thought European's don't read the news too closely in the States or are more forgiving of cowardly men who beat women within an inch of their lives?

If you recall, back in February 2009, while he was driving, the couple had more than a heated exchange of words. Chris Brown took his anger and rage and beat singer Rihanna bloody with his bare fists. Brown continued by shoving her head against the passenger window the car. This piece of human garbage bit her left ear (only an animal does that) and, in abuser style, Brown continued to beat "the love of his life throughout her body and then placed her in a head lock while he continued driving his car.

Does this sound like words to a song?

"I'm going to beat the shit out of you when we get home! You wait and see!"
"You just did the stupidest thing ever! Now I'm really going to kill you!" Words and music to live and almost die by--Chris Brown, singer convicted felon and coward

Do these pictures of the beating Rihanna sustained look like a CD cover to you?

No one can take away the incredible talent of Chris Brown as a performer and actor, and this is not about selling records or being able to sell tickets at concerts. It is about a serious criminal act of violence.

During the Chris Brown's interview on Larry King last year with his mother and attorney Mark Geragos by his side, I did not hear one sentence acknowledging what he did as a crime. With attitude, it was more about "hey I got caught", "I turned myself in," "I can influence the community," and my favorite abuser line " this is a private matter." No! Mr. Brown, this is not a private matter where you almost kill another human being and get away with it. It is a crime! Chris Brown's words sounded as if he had an accident in his boxer's and need to change into a clean pair.

Domestic violence  takes places 365 days a year, 7 days a week. This initial story only broke because it was between two celebrities.

Although we in the United States are willing to easily forgive and forget when someone of notarity commits a horriffic criminal act of violence against another human being, the U.K. showed us didn't they? They showed us it does not matter how popular or famous a person you are or how much revenue you can generate. If you are Joe the singing waiter or Chris the singer, you ain't singing for your supper on their soil!

Been there, done that…” Susan Murphy- Milano has turned a tired phrase into demonstrable realism through the gift of her newly published book, "TIME'S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AND SURVIVE ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIPS

Psychology Today: "Murphy Milano's Exceptional Victims Handbook is Here"

Just when the public has demonstrated a belief that domestic violence is a crime of the past, the case of survivor producer Bruce Beresford-Redman makes the headlines. It seems that all the ingredients for a domestic homicide are present.

And if this case is not enough, we have seen domestic violence creep back into pop culture and celebrity justice - a la the Brown case and the Charlie Sheen cases, as examples. There is no arguing that there is a problem, but like everything else one can’t help to ask: Is there a solution? While leaving the abuse is the only solution that is often a lot easier said than done. But leaving and preparing just got one step easier for victims thanks to tireless victim’s advocate Susan Murphy Milano. In her book “Times Up”, Murphy Milano recognizes that domestic violence in not simply a crime de jour. It a real crime that was around well before OJ and will still exist well beyond Brown and Sheen.

[Robin Sax: is a former deputy district attorney, a legal analyst with NBC and the author of predators and child molesters. ]

"To say that Susan Murphy Milano has hit the nail on the head (again)
is a total understatement! Murphy Milano's book is well crafted and timely.
She not only discusses the "problem" but takes it one step further in this
soup-to-nuts handbook. In twelve easy to read chapters, she has created
a realistic prescription: offering real-life solutions that will have long term
benefits in the criminal justice system of domestic violence."

To read the entire article click HERE.

D-Day [Part Two]

[pictured Karen, Emily and Lauren Kahler]

The majority of women abused want to get away as far from their abuser as possible and begin their lives without the violence. Karen Kahler who was murdered along with her two children and her 89 year-old grandmother by her estranged husband, was no different.

Karen Kahler was a loving woman with strong ties to her children and the community. So much that friends and family have set a blog http://www.karenkahler.blogspot.com/ in memory of their friend and for the only child, a 10 year-old son whom survived the bloody massacre and needs assistance himself.


Nothing short of purchasing a weapon and signing up for lessons on how to take accurate aim to a target could have prevented these murders. Family homicide is an epidemic. It is a war. And if you are reading this, thinking "nope this can't happen to me" think again!

I have reported on so many stories of men murdering their families in the last few months, I have lost count. With over 20 years of hands on assistance directly to women and their children I wonder how many more murders it will take before the legal system wakes up and corrects a process within the courts that is allowing offenders in many situations to get away with the slaughter of innocent women and children.

An order of protection will do nothing in the prevention of a person whom is so enraged they will stop at anything to commit murder. Because you or a victim that is a family member or friend, perhaps a co-worker or church member has decided to end the relationship.

Take a moment and read yesterday's post on the murders of Karen and her family. If you are involved with someone who is abusive you need to realize you cannot fight this battle without taking the necessary steps prior to leaving, this means before announcing to this dangerous person, "It's over," or "that you are leaving" or "filing for divorce." You might as well kiss your life goodbye.

It is similar to setting off the detonation of a ticking bomb, with the abuser set to go off at any time. The abuser has a plan to harm you and or the children if you do not stay in the relationship. You must be taught the techniques that will get you safely out from under the abuser.

If you want information on how to do this please email me at contact@movingoutmovingon.com all emails are held in strict confidence. And remember, I too, am a casualty of family homicide. I may not have been able to save my mother, but, so many are alive today because she lost her life in this war.

Rihanna's "Magic Mood Ring"

There is a definite buzz more like a criticism of the entertainer Rihanna since her brutal attack of then boyfriend Chris Brown. People have a lot of questions about why she has refused to discuss or even comment on the crime. Like most women involved in a violent relationship Rhianna obviously thinks Chris Brown, given all the attention, will never lay a hand on her again. But this is part of the victimization that a person experiences.

Rihianna choose Chris Brown whom was like all abuser's a gentle and loving person when they began the relationship. Over time his temper tantrums were kept under control or hidden as the relationship grew. As most women who found themselves do they are often willing to put up with things behind closed doors that no one ever see’s but them. Why? Because like Rihanna they need and want the relationship, but, like Rihanna a woman believes she can change the person’s violent behavior. This woman loves Chris Brown she knows him from the inside out and is willing to take the good days over the few bad days. Rihanna is no different than any other young woman in a potentially dangerous dating relationship. She has the same emotions, needs, desires and feelings as you or I. The only difference is she happens to be famous.

This behavior is more like denial that we are witnessing and it is normal for victims in these relationships. You are probably saying to yourself, “Uh, how can she stay with him after that beating?” If that were me I would leave and never return. This is easier said than accomplished for victims of dating or abusive relationships. The shame and embarrassment that a victim experiences can be more overwhelming than the beating itself. This may not make sense but follow my logic for a moment. Why is it that when a woman goes into painful labor then gives birth, is she so eager to repeat the pain and talk about having another child? It is because the love was worth the sacrifice. The same dynamic could be said of a teenager or battered woman. The love overrides the pain endured in the relationship.

A victim of abuse that included spousal rape and stalking is different than a stranger affected by a random violent crime. For a battered woman the offender is an intimate and former trusted part in her life. She become confused as we are witnessing with Rihanna as she tries to absorb the impact of being deeply hurt by Chris Brown whom she believed in her heart was nurturing and protective of her.

Rihanna has made excuses for the abuse she suffered that night at the hands of Brown saying yo herself maybe she yelled first or said something that upset Brown triggering his violent rage. All a victim like Rihanna remembers are only the goods times quickly wanting to forget and then decide to forgive Brown so she can rebuild from a new foundation. When there was no foundation from the begining. The problem is, once the foundation is cracked, the trust removed the relationship is forever beyond repair. No amount of counseling, similar to a magic mood ring in my opinion will change the abuser. Once a man raises his hand it will swing over its' victim like an ape hanging in the trees waiting for the next opportunity to relay the anger into another beating.

And that goes for Chris Brown!

The Choir Boy Chris Brown on Larry King

I wanted to give Chris Brown some credit for appearing on the pre-taped Larry King show last night. Beside him was his mother Joyce Hawkins and lawyer Mark Geragos.

Larry King, twice during the broadcast said "you don't look like a violent person." Then again neither do the majority of violent offenders in this country. Obviously they don't have the opportunity to be given an hour long broadcast on national television unless of course you are Drew Peterson.

Chris Brown talked about those "bloggers" and others whom are writing about what happend the night he beat Rihanna bloody with his fists. And Mark Geragos continued to minimize his clients responsibility in a poor attempt placing a protective coat of fresh blue paint like a halo around Brown. I give Geragos credit for the effort, but it was not good enough. And having Brown's mother on the broadcast was a nice touch, that in my opinion backfired.

When Rihanna was beaten no one else was in that car but, Chris Brown. So why was he able to have his mother and lawyer on the show to help him defend himself? If he was truly sorry he would have been interviewed with Larry King one-on-one. Or better yet, Denise Brown should have been in the studio during the interview instead of the after show broadcast for 7 minutes on Anderson Cooper's show.

At the end of King's interview he stated that "Rihanna declined to be on the show and she had an open invitation to appear." The photo's of her beating need no explaination as "actions spoke louder than any words Chris Brown could provide in any sound bite.

Chris Brown also used his age as an excuse for a relationship gone wrong. "No one taught us, there is no relationship manual." Ah but there is, I believe it is referred to as knowing right from wrong. He watched his mother beaten on more then one ocassion, likely at an early age as he stood helpless unable to do anything. And most boys who witness their mothers beaten are likely to be abusers themselves just like Chris Brown.

No one can take away the incredible talent of Chris Brown as a performer and actor. And this is not about selling records or being able to sell tickets at concerts. It is about a serious criminal act of violence. I did not hear one sentence acknowledging this as a crime. With attitude it was more about hey I got caught, I turned myself in, I can influence the community, and this is a private matter. Chris Brown's words sounded as if he had an accident in his boxer's and need to change into a clean pair.

A woman was savagely beaten one evening by her boyfriend. A crime that takes places 365 days a year, 7 days a week. This story only broke because it was between two celebrities. Instead of Chris Brown being angry he should be sending a message to high school and college age men that he committed a serious crime and beating any woman is against the law.

I did not hear that, did you?

"Morning Joe" Show Bitch Slaps Chris Brown

In case you have not heard the news singer and woman beater Chris Brown will appear for an entire hour on Larry King's show tomorrow night.

This morning on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show after a previewing a clip for tonights show with Brown saying "it's a blur, I don't remember the incident." I thought it interesting that Chris Brown was wearing a trust me blue sweater, shirt and matching blue bow tie. The MSNBC panel asked the question how is it "that Chris Brown received no jail time? Who is the Judge? And how can foootball player Michael Vick receive serious prison time for killing dogs and Brown receives no jail time" says host Joe Scarborough. All excellent questions. The answer is simple, Chris Brown is immune because what he does for a living provides a cushy lifestyle for hundreds of influential people who won't make a dime if Brown served jail time.

Tonight's interview on Larry King is really about the legal system selling victims beaten within an inch if their lives down a continued bloody river of no return all for the love of money.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office in cutting a deal sends a clear message to victims: felony battery is not against the law, especially when the offender has deep green pockets or in this case likely several signed cases of autograph cd's and tickets for future concert events?

It looks like Wednesday CNN evening will host an hour of "Offender Television."

Meal Ticket was the Verdict-Not Justice!

California laws regarding Domestic Violence are considered strict as opposed to other states. They should be quite complex and carry with them serious conviction penalties. Perhaps the State Legislators should amend the law to include the words “crimes committed by celebrities including sports players” shall be prosecuted.

When you are charged with two felony counts as Chris Brown --(somehow the other one magically vanished in court) -- it is imperative you enter the courtroom prepared with someone like Mark Geragos, a strong defense attorney.

It should not matter that these so called strong domestic violence and stalking laws were passed into legislation because women, mothers and girlfriends found themselves in an emergency room or on a slab tagged at the county morgue.

Yes all the fans can jump up and down screaming victory for their kroner making a deal with the districts attorney’s office by pleading guilty to only one count of felony assault and provided with a free get out of jail card. But this is not a game of monopoly it is real life. I am certain if this happened to a relative or family member you would not be cheering and likely demanding justice. But we still as a society do not see this type of violence between intimate relationships as a potentially deadly crime. Blood, gushing out of Rihanna’s mouth as Brown continued to punch her while in route to the Grammy awards her head held down below the steering wheel as he told her “I am going to beat the shit out of you when we get home” implying this was not the first time Brown solved his manly issues with a young woman half his size and strength with violence.

Chris Brown in court yesterday, head bowed with hands folded like a choir boy as he pleaded guilty looking all manly in his designer threads before the judge.

It was obvious Defense attorney Mark Geragos relationships with the system that included the Judge and District Attorney in Los Angeles showing the world he knows how to aggressively pursue alternative sentencing, for his famous, yet cowardly client.

We witnessed firsthand, a verdict from an industry that sets itself apart from the realities of relationship dynamics. Chris Brown sings for a lot of folk’s suppers and that "meal ticket" was the verdict, not justice!

"Returning To The Scene of A Love Crime"

Delores Joseph, 31 and the mother of 3 children ages, 3,12 and 14, left her home and ran to the store. She told her children “I’ll be right back.”

On March 5, 2009 in a canal police discovered the 31 year mother, murdered.

Five days prior, police arrested Joseph’s husband, Dwayne “Keke” Joseph, on domestic violence charges stemming from separate incidents involving Delores Joseph. He is charged with aggravated assault, false imprisonment and second-degree battery are among the charges this coward faces.“According to news accounts the couple separated in September 2008, according to a letter from Delores Joseph’s family. Shortly afterward, Dwayne Joseph allegedly returned to the home and vandalized Delores Joseph’s car and then her rental car, the family letter stated.“Delores returned home one night, and Dwayne jumped out of the closet and attempted to assault her,” the letter stated. “Delores defended herself with an iron.”The couple eventually reconciled their differences until Feb. 7. While the two were leaving a Mardi Gras ball, he allegedly turned on her and began beating and choking her in the backseat of a car. One week later, Dwayne Joseph allegedly held Delores and her friend at gunpoint. The two were able to escape unharmed. Delores Joseph and her children spent three days at a shelter”

There are enough violent episodes in their relationship to see all the bells and whistles. Yes, I realize it is easy to say, because the woman is gone. But maybe somewhere in cyber land we can learn from this tragedy.

You may know a Delores, Mary, Roberta or Renee. This person could be a friend, relative co-co-worker or neighbor. Almost daily we read about these tragedies after the fact. What are we doing to help families in these situations? This issue of domestic violence perpetrated homicide continues to be an epidemic without adequate solutions on a case by case basis.

Women return back to the scene of the crime. “Returning home” they love the person who is abusing them. There are not in love with being beaten, kicked punched and almost killed. They love the person with whom they began their life’s journey. A woman thinks and believes the person will change. What they don’t see is that once they are chocked, kicked or a gun pulled to their temple, if they escape in one piece, they should never, ever return.

The abuser has already laid the foundation. The phrase, “if you leave, I will find you. If I find I will kill you is difficult for many women to believe. A woman doesn’t really see the person she loves being capable of murder. But how can they not see? On Friday’s Oprah show as they were discussing Rihanna and Chris Brown, she hoped the couple would seek professional counseling. That the couple would spend time apart and work through the problems. And Oprah and her panel made interesting observations in the matter. I wonder if the next we read about Rihanna the headlines will read “No More Music.”

My mother was no different. It didn’t matter much what my father did to her. In the end, just before he put the cold barrel of the gun to her head, she loved him. And, at the same time my mother feared him. But, she always said “I have things under control.” She did not. Nor do any of us in a violent relationship.

You cannot control the actions of another person. No one can.

But you can get out. All if you have to do is believe anything is possible.

Rihanna in the Market For An Unusal Item?

On Thursday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office changed Chris Brown with 2 felony counts for the brutal beating of Rihanna. I watched the coverage on CNN with Rick Sanchez as he was reading the indictment.

My thoughts immediately went to what Chris Brown would do if found guilty and had to serve time in a state prison. In my expert opinion, Brown has a serious anger problem. He is likely to commit murder and then turn the gun on himself. Cowards like Brown usually take the easy way out. And with so much public pressure on the case it isn't healthy for either person.

Circulating is the rumor: “couple were secretly married”

Chris Brown has reportedly proposed to Rihanna and according to sources Rihanna has accepted and the two have gotten married in a secret wedding. In the latest shocking news of the Rihanna and Chris Brown celebrity saga, not only have the two reportedly back together since the alleged domestic assault which occurred pre-night the Grammy’s, but now the two may have already held a secret marriage after they had a reported tearful meeting and Chris Brown proposed.According to Star Magazine, the two had an arranged meeting that became tearful at which point both parties, Rihanna and Chris Brown expressed their devoted loyalty to one another as Rihanna allegedly confessed to Chris Brown, “I can’t live without you,” after Brown first apologized, begged for forgiveness and proposed to Rihanna on the spot.“All she’s ever wanted was to be with him forever,” a source stated to Star Magazine.

Someone from the mental health community Experienced with issues of strong attachment as it relates to battered women should intervene. Rihanna is not to blame. She did nothing wrong. needs But she requires a reality check before she ends up in a body bag. And I don’t believe they have a recording studio broadcast from heaven .

Yes, as someone who works these crimes 24/7 specific to the area of domestic violence perpetrated homicide. The star better think about shopping for a designer body bag. She is going to need it!

Rihanna Should Consider Being a Spokeswoman For Domestic Violence!

The article below is from an interview I gave on Rihanna and the release of the photo showing injuries she sustained from the beating she received at the hands of singer Chris Brown. In my opinion, the singer should go to every high school across the country and speak to young women regarding domestic violence. If it can happen to Rihanna, it can happen to anyone in an abusive relationship.

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) - As police probe whether one of their own leaked a picture of a bruised and beaten woman that appears to be Rihanna, the image is sparking a discussion of the impact it could have on the issue of domestic violence. The celebrity Web site TMZ, which posted the photo Thursday night, did not explain its origin. The site wrote only that it was taken after an altercation between platinum-selling singer and her boyfriend, fellow pop star Chris Brown.
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton acknowledged Friday afternoon that the photo could prove embarrassing to the woman pictured, a view shared by some advocates for abused women. But in the welts and marks on the face of the woman in the photo, some also saw a teaching moment.

"If it could happen to Rihanna, it could happen to anyone," said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. There are an estimated 4.8 million domestic violence attacks on women and another 2.9 million attacks on men each year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

"Maybe it is a good idea if it's her, if young girls see this," said Susan Murphy-Milano, a Chicago author and advocate for battered women. She said she hopes it makes them think, "Is the next picture going to be of her in a morgue?"

Both women expected the image, which even Bratton wouldn't go so far as to confirm was Rihanna, could spark a new awareness about domestic violence.
"The reality that domestic violence can happen to anyone, even someone with fame and celebrity, ought to bring home the point that this is a problem for our entire society," Gandy said. "We can't avoid or ignore it."

Bratton told reporters that along with launching an internal investigation into whether the photo is police evidence, he is also looking into how TMZ obtained the picture. He said the department may pursue a felony conspiracy case against TMZ and whomever might have helped them get the image.

Bratton said he suspected someone within the department leaked the photo, but did not elaborate or go so far as to confirm that it came from police evidence files.
"We are not treating this lightly," Bratton said. "It's an embarrassment to this department if in fact evidence was leaked.

"It's going to be a very painful experience for any personnel from this department and possibly those who they may have engaged in a conspiracy with to violate the laws of California."
TMZ did not say how it obtained the image and a publicist for the site did not return a phone or e-mail message seeking comment Friday.
Brown, 19, was arrested Feb. 8 on suspicion of making felony criminal threats, but police have not publicly identified his alleged victim. The woman was Rihanna, according to a person familiar with the situation, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity.

A spokesman for Brown said the singer had no further comment beyond a statement released Sunday in which he said he was "sorry and saddened" about the incident. His attorney has not returned calls seeking comment.

Rihanna broke her silence on Friday, her 21st birthday, by releasing a statement through Rubenstein Associates.
"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," the statement read. "She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

The singer canceled a planned birthday bash in New York and postponed concerts overseas in the days following the incident.

Prosecutors are still waiting for police to present more evidence against Brown. Bratton said Friday that detectives are working quickly to finish that investigation, and the inquiries into the leak.

Both Gandy and Murphy-Milano said one of the reasons the photo's release is so shocking is because domestic violence isn't in the spotlight except for when it involves high-profile couples.
"Such a graphic image may give people pause and make them think about what we're doing for the women who don't have resources to escape and take care of themselves," Gandy said. She said the country's economic problems will translate into more domestic violence cases as families suffer financial strain.

And from a painful image, Murphy-Milano hoped a new advocate for battered women might have been made.

"I think she could be a very important voice and a tool for other people," she said of Rihanna. "She could turn this around," Murphy-Milano said, and tell others, "'Don't be me.'"