An American Tragedy: A Serious Diagnosis And No Health Insurance

Susan Murphy-Milano, an author and fellow Forbes contributor, has made it her career to advocate for the rights of women and children. She even lobbied for the passage of 1993′s Illinois Stalking Law. Her quest for justice has been a 20-year pursuit.

Now, she’s in the fight of her life against cancer and faces one of the biggest travesties of all: no health insurance.

Susan’s life took another drastic turn in 1989 when her father, a 30-year veteran and decorated Chicago police detective, murdered her mother, Roberta, with his department-issued service revolver — a .44 magnum — then took his own life. Susan vowed to, for the rest of her life, speak for the victims of domestic violence — what she has termed ”intimate partner violence” – to give them a voice and the tools to survive.

Cathy ScottContributor

Susan, diagnosed in early June with stage IV cancer, isn’t unlike many Americans who find themselves in similar circumstances without adequate medical coverage. Besides being pricey, the variations of coverage often don’t pay the cost of treatment. According to a 2010 survey by the Center for Disease Control, 46 million Americans are without health insurance. One person, by my way of thinking, is too many.

To read the rest of the story on Forbes  click Here

Crime, She Writes

BREAKING DOWN THE HEADLINE

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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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.

You Decide: "Murphy's Justice"

Below are 6 new ad copy's for my new show titled "Murphy's Justice"
airing at 9:00-10:00 PM Eastern time. The radio show is set to debut on February 9, 2012 live from the Studio in Las Vegas at www.vegaskool.com.  We are asking you to vote in the comment section for your favorite ad .  And yes, those are my legs!   The one with the most votes will be selected.  Or you can email me at murphymilano@gmail.com with your recommendation.

Vote for your favorite concept!

#1

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#3

#4

#5

                                              #6

www.imaginepublicity.com

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 Writesproviding 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 

The Queens of True Crime discuss "Women Who Kill" on The Susan Murphy Milano Show 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Thursday, December 15, 2pm ET

Listen LIVE at: Here Women Talk

Good friends, each of them living in Texas, and their penchant for well researched books in a genre that often gets a less than stellar view, Casey and Fanning often show up in the same circle of events. To have them together is a double hit of talent. Along with all of their true crime books, each has developed a series of crime based novels with a strong female lead character, Fanning’s Det. Lucinda Pierce and Casey’s Sarah Armstrong, both which leave readers wanting more. Listen Live by going to www.herewomentalk.com

Diane Fanning

Before writing her first true crime book, Fanning wrote for magazines,television, radio and ad agencies in Virginia, earning many awards, before she moved to Texas where her career in true crime blossomed, along with her work with several non profit organizations. She has served on the executive committees of the Writers’ League of Texas and the Heart of Texas chapter of Sisters in Crime and is also a member of Mystery Writers of America.

Several of Fanning’s books deal with the issue of intimate partner homicide and violence, including the Edgar award nominated, “Written in Blood,” about the death of Kathleen Peterson and the subsequent conviction of her husband, Michael Peterson. Another book, “Gone Forever,” written about the death of a mother of three, leaving her marriage and winding up a murder victim, was praised highly by many who work with domestic violence victims and the aftermath of trauma in the home, recommending the book to victims of violence with whom they come in contact with.

While completing the story of serial killer, Tommy Lynn Sells, Diane Fanning saw the case of Julie Rea Harper on 20/20, a woman convicted of murdering her own son. Fanning’s correspondence with Sells revealed that he, indeed, was the killer and Julie Rea Harper’s conviction was overturned by appeal. For her involvement in this case, Diane Fanning was recently honored with an award by the Innocence Project. (http://www.uis.edu/innocenceproject/)

Contracted to write the only book to date on the life and death of Caylee Anthony, Mommy’s Little Girl, Fanning gained national attention for her dynamic research and the ability to organize it in such a way as to be the voice for a child lost to murder.

For a complete list of Diane Fanning’s books, please visit her website: www.dianefanning.com

Kathryn Casey

“I was looking for a good subject for my first book in 1992 when I interviewed Linda Bergstrom for a magazine article. I knew immediately that I had found the right case. The result: EVIL BESIDE HER (formerly titled THE RAPIST’S WIFE). Following that, along came Susan White, Kent McGowen and A WARRANT TO KILL. Then I was off to Austin for the next three books, the first SHE WANTED IT ALL, on the Celeste Beard case, followed by DIE, MY LOVE, on the Piper Rountree case, set in Austin/​Houston/​ and Richmond, Virginia. My most recent true crime book, A DESCENT INTO HELL, on the Colton Pitonyak case, is a truly tragic Austin case, deeply troubling. The research took me into the world of college kids, drugs, sex, and guns. In DESCENT, three college-age kids with the whole world ahead of them slide into dangerous territory, and two end up committing a terrible, terrible crime.

Finally, after two decades covering crime, I’ve relied on my experiences and expanded into fiction. The result: SINGULARITY, my first novel, published by St. Martin’s Minotaur. The first in a series, SINGULARITY introduces Lieutenant Sarah Armstrong, the Texas Rangers’ lone profiler, as she hunts a seriously strange killer. The case quickly takes over Armstrong’s life and nearly destroys her. The second in the series, BLOOD LINES, is now out, and THE KILLING STORM is scheduled for fall 2010. “

For a complete list of books by Kathryn Casey, please visit her website: www.kathryncasey.com

Holding a Higher Standard in Officer Involved Intimate Partner Violence Cases

"This incident definitely tears us apart," Lauderhill Police Capt. Constance Stanley said, describing the effect on the force's 120 sworn officers. "There are a lot of mixed feelings because each of the officers has friends in the department." source The Palm Beach Post......

Officials in Broward County indicate this has never happened until now where a fellow officer empties their Glock into the vehicle of another. Why? Because Officer Brittny Skinner continued to reject him. They briefly dated when she joined the force in 2006, but the single mother broke it off.

Officer Kristopher John Bieger's pattern of conduct escalated during the years from excessive calling, texts and stalking. Did the department look away and not handle this as a serious crime because he was the son of a respected, retired cop? Is it possible that Officer Skinner was ignored by the department? Was she politely told "it is not in your best interest to make waves? How about a place outside of the department veil where Officer Skinner could have received assistance?

Is the Lauderhill Police Department unaware because "no official" record exists.? The statement by Police Captain Stanley "there are a lot of mixed emotions on both sides" incorrect response in my expert opinion. Officer Bieger emptied 10 rounds at Officer Skinner. The only reason she survived unharmed, Skinner was wearing her bullet proof vest. Afterwards, Officer Bieger fled the scene, followed by a stand-off for a couple hours outside a pizzeria until he surrendered to fellow officers.

This crime has nothing to do with whether officer Bieger was in his right mind at the time. The officer did not simply have a bad day and snap!

I hold law enforcement to a higher standard. I always have, despite the fact that I am a police officers daughter galvanized by a tragedy I would not wish on anyone. And not only do I respect law enforcement both on a professional and personal level, I expect those commissioned as sworn officers to know right from wrong when it relates to their personal relationships outside of the department. Extending and implementing policies at the State level on down to the rank and file within police departments.

What is the Lauderhill Police Department and others across the nation doing to prevent these types of intimate partner violence officer related crimes from escalating? Do they have training and continuing education in place? Is it effective?

Education and training has proven an effective solution within agencies of officer involved intimate partner and stalking crimes.

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. In partnership with Management Resources Ltd. of New York addressing prevention and solutions within the community to the workplace.

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.

Radio Shows: Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host on Crime Wire.

Books: Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships,Moving out, Moving on, and Defending Out Lives.

www.imaginepublicity.com

Crime, She Writes: Connecting The Dots: Part 4

Ashley Taylor

Murder in Oklahoma: Connecting the Dots More than Once - Part 3

Susan Murphy-MilanoContributor

Last week on a broadcast of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, “Time’s Up!”Faye Taylor, Michael Taylor and investigative reporter Phil Cross with FOX News discussed the case of missing Ashley Taylor as well as other murders in Weleetka, Oklahoma. (download podcast, for the show on Forbes.)

To Read more on the Story on Forbes Click Here

http://okcfox.com/newsroom/special_reports/videos/vid_255.shtml

Phil Cross Investigative Reporter link above for continued coverage

Lighting the Way for Krishonda Townsend: Closing One Investigation-Opening Another

(from the Cue Center's Road to Remember Tour)

It was July 4, 2010, Krishonda Townsend was out with friends celebrating the holiday festivities in Mineral Wells, TX. She contacts her mother via text at 12:10 a.m.to say she is on her way home. She never arrived.

The young mother of a toddler was never seen or heard from again. Speculation as to what could have happened to her has been the topic of conversation since she vanished rather than everyone going out and looking for her or providing the information required to make arrest(s) in this case.

This past Sunday the Cue Center For Missing Persons highlighted the missing mother, daughter and sister on their annual "Road To Remember Tour." A yearly campaign the national agency has to bring awareness to missing persons cases across the country. And Krishonda was a registered case within the Cue Organization. A non-profit agency assisting families without charge of missing loved ones across the country.

On Thursday, remains were found and identified in rural north Texas as those of Shonda Townsend.

The case still is now an active criminal investigation closing the missing persons case to now an unsolved homicide.

Those involved should not be sleeping very well from this day forward. Just as they found Shonda and brought her home to her family, those who were involved in the taking of her life will be finding themselves at their new home, the State Penitentiary!

http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2011/01/krishonda-leanne-townsend-victim-of.html

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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. In partnership withManagement Resources Ltd. of New York addressing prevention and solutions within the community to the workplace.

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.

Radio Shows: Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host on Crime Wire.

Books: Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships,Moving out, Moving on, and Defending Out Lives.

www.imaginepublicity.com

Crime, She Writes Continued Coverage on the Oklahoma Murder Case's

Face to face, Michael Taylor, father of missing Ashley Taylor, confronts her fiancé, Kevin Sweat, after trying to no avail to contact Sweat by phone.

Murder: Connecting the Dots More than Once in Oklahoma - Part 1

In the parking lot of the apartment he shared with Ashley, Kevin is questioned.Kevin Sweat, in a clear voice, volunteers, “I suppose I am gonna get blamed for this like I did the little Weleetka girls?” Michael Taylor is taken off track for a moment at what I term “unconscious vomiting.” This is when someone with direct knowledge spills their guts with factual information when no one has asked for it. That is exactly what Kevin Sweat does in his conversation with Michael Taylor. Story continued on Forbes Click Here

Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is a specialist with intimate partner violence prevention strategies and high risk cases and available for personal consultations through the Institute. She is also part of the team at Management Resources Limited of New York.

Susan is a contributor to Forbes : Crime, She Writes a powerhouse lineup of female true crime professionals, experts and authors providing commentary about the hottest topics on crime, justice, and law from a woman’s perspective.

Susan is the author of "Time's Up: A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships,"Moving out, Moving on, and Defending Out Lives. Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host on Crime Wire.

If you would like to schedule Susan Murphy Milano for training and interviews, please contact:ImaginePublicity PO BOX 14946 Surfside Beach, SC 29587 Phone: 843.808.0859 email- contact@imaginepublicity.com