ABC's Show "Private Practice" Sends Dangerous Message to Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

A long running television show on the ABC network "Private Practice" aired what I considered a dangerous episode for victims of intimate partner violence and homicide.  A woman married to a dangerous offender sustains serious injuries after being beaten by her husband.  In the hospital the victim talks about killing him.   One of the main characters in the show who plays a doctor brings the patient home with her because she has safety concerns for the woman.  The doctor in conversation with the victim tells her she has the power to leave basically without using violence.

The husband learns his wife is at the doctors home, storms in the front door, assaults the doctor knocking her out cold.  When the doctor comes too you see the victim over the husband, covered in blood, stabbing him repeatedly.

I realize it's "only" a television show, but clearly it sends the wrong message. The scene's of the abuse were incredibly scripted and played out as if they were actually happening.  The delivery was powerful.

I did not agree with the message "Private Practice" conveyed to viewers that it is okay to take matters into your own hands when you are married to a violent and dangerous psychopath.

Earlier today on the Show Time's Up, Tracey Murphy's real life was no different than the woman portraying the abuse victim on ABC's"Private Practice".  Her life was a living hell sustaining injuries that included broken bones, surgery and threats to her life if she ever left.  Ending the abuse was not easy, it took work, but Tracey got out, without committing murder.

Maybe if the shows writer and producers had consulted me I would have directed them to the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit and video found on the site Document The Abuse.com  or the book Time's Up.

Below is the podcast from today's Time's Up show.  I encourage anyone involved in a rocky and potentially lethal relationship to take a few minutes, download and listen when you have time.  Before you say out loud to anyone you relationship is over, you better have a plan.

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59:11

• SMM 1-19-2012

Download Podcast - SMM 1-19-2012 

Document The Abuse contains vital information on how the EAA can support each case of abuse from the perspective of the first responders and advocates, to an appearance in court.  It explains the legal benefits to the abuse victim, whether they are able to testify or not, how their words are forever documented and hold up in court, much like a Living Will.

Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education as a educator and specialist with intimate partner violence prevention strategies directing prevention for high risk situations and cases.

 A national trainer to law enforcement, training officers, prosecutors, judges, legislators, social service providers, healthcare professionals, victim advocates and the faith based community and author.. In partnership with Management Resources Ltd. of New York addressing prevention and solutions within the community to the workplace. Host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show,"Time'sUp!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host onCrime Wire. Online contributions: Forbes : Crime, She Writes providing commentary about the hottest topics on crime, justice, and law from a woman’s perspective, as well as Time's Up! a blog which searches for solutions (SOS) for victims of crime.