The world lost a shining star, but heaven gained her.
Photos by Monica Caison
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Susan Murphy Milano, National Advocate, Dies of Cancer
Nationally recognized for her work with victims of abuse
Myrtle Beach, SC………On Sunday morning, October 28, 2012, Susan Murphy Milano, one of the nation’s leading pioneer advocates for victims of intimate partner violence, lost her battle with the ultimate abuser, cancer, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Susan left this earth from the home of her close friend, caretaker, and business partner of several years. She was 52.
Throughout her 20 year career Murphy Milano was well known as an outspoken, fiery activist who took on the role of protector of the abused, often using distinctive methods for insuring safety from their abusers.
Susan Murphy Milano began her one woman crusade in 1989 after the death of her beloved mother at the hands of her police detective father. Growing up in a household which held many secrets, she vowed that the world would look differently at battered women and provide necessary resources which weren’t available to help her mother.
Murphy Milano’s books, “Defending Our Lives”, “Moving Out, Moving On” and Time’s Up, are considered the “bibles” of how to make the move away from abuse and deal with the many confusing situations surrounding violence prevention, stalking, break-up or divorce.
Her latest book, based on the experiences of her life, “Holding My Hand Through Hell,” was released on October 4, 2012.
Susan received many awards and accolades through the years for her work with victims of abuse, and her quest for justice was instrumental in the passage of the Illinois Stalking Law and the Lauternberg Act. She has been prominently featured in newspapers, magazines, radio and television including: The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Radio, ABC’S 20/20, Justice Files, E-True Hollywood, CNN, Sunday Today Show Profile, Women’s Day, Family Circle, US News and World Report to name only a few. She frequently participated in guest media commentary panels on major news programs and appeared in the 2010 A&E Biography of Drew Peterson.
In recent years Susan was involved in several radio shows, co-hosting Crime Wire, a regular guest spot on syndicated The Roth Show, and her own radio show, Time’s Up, which featured unsolved cases to which she was bringing attention, missing persons with Monica Caison of CUE Center for Missing Persons, and true crime author interviews.
Beginning in 2007 she covered the disappearance of Stacy Peterson extensively on her blog, Murphy Milano’s Journal, often making bold statements which later proved to become eerily true. On a visit with Stacy’s Pastor, Neil Schori, she became inspired to develop the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit which, when properly used, helps successfully prosecute cases where the victim becomes incapacitated, missing or murdered, allowing it to be entered into evidence and being the victim’s testimony against the perpetrator, thus circumventing most hearsay laws.
Susan Murphy Milano’s legacy will continue through the efforts of her many colleagues who will attempt to fill her shoes providing expert training and presentations based on her work and the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. Through her affiliation with Sandra L. Brown of The Institute for Relational Harm Reduction, and Pastor Neil Schori, the site Document The Abuse was created to house information about the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit and future development of Susan’s ideals.
Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Roberta Murphy, and her father, Philip Murphy, of Chicago. She is survived by a brother, a sister and her son, along with hundreds of colleagues and thousands of friends, survivors and followers across the country.
A memorial service to honor her life is being planned at Naperville Christian Church with Pastor Neil Schori officiating in Naperville, Illinois, and the scattering of her ashes in South Carolina at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Susan requested that donations be made towards establishing a trust to help victims in crisis. Donations can be made through her site http://www.conqueringcancer.me
For more information contact ImaginePublicity: phone 843.808.0859 or email contact@imaginepublicity.com
ImaginePublicity 
You saved more lives than any one will ever know… I will keep your secrets safe dear friend. G-D Bless you and keep you Sam Baliin Kron
Susan, I am still in disbelief that we have lost you. You were there for me several times. Had it not been for you, Cloud, Delilah and a few others, I don’t know what I have done. While I have been very ill and in and out of the hospital for months, I am still having a difficult time accepting that you are gone. I am glad you are no longer suffering. You handled your cancer just as any abuser. You fought the battle hard….I just didn’t think you would lose this one. I think of you all the time and I have officially labled you, Our Christmas Angel- “Our” meaning abused survivors that you helped. Delilah, I hope you are ok. I know you must be hurting. Much love…..Tracey Mutz
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Susan will be forever a light to women and men. We will all keep Susan’s mission alive by educating those who suffer from domestic violence. She will be greatly missed.
I can only hope Susan did not suffer, she is missed by all and will never be forgotten. I am confused, knowing you live in my area, Surfside/Myrtle Beach, SC.. yet have never contacted us to help us. Silence is not golden when you could have helped us living in the same area!
Susan,
You have been and always will be in my heart. We have lost a proud, strong, loving, brilliant advocate, friend and teacher. Thank you for being in my life. I love you.
The tears are running down my face i feel like i know her My CONDOLENCE…………..
Susan helped a family start a national campaign to find the answers to their daughter’s death. From her talk show to getting in touch with the media we are keeping up the good fight in Susan’s name. Sheena Morris will get justice!!! And it is mainly just because Susan listened. Lost but definitely never forgotten
Susan: I am glade to have had the opportunity to speak with you and get to know you. It was one phone call in May of this year. I was in a place where I need a re-charge and you were it. You motivated; inspired me and moved me. I immediately felt like I had found a long lost friend. Thank you for giving me you time; for sharing your story with you so openly; for fighting so hard so others can live without violence and free; for reminding me again that our work is not done and most importantly, reminding me to hold my head high, square my shoulders and to charge ahead. RIP
‘Excellent summary of an indescribable women whose impact will continue for years to come…. In every way, Susan stood out -personally, professionally, as an advocate and a humanitarian! She put the safety of others above all else… her own life, financial security, social and family relationships. She accomplished much and wanted little fanfare… only that her most effective tools such as the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit, the Apple App, teaching curriculum and useful content in several books be used for the greater good. Her keen sensibilities and “sharp tongue” made her the perfect activist in an environment where the criminal justice system favors defendants versus victims.
I am personally honored to have been a friend and mentee. She afforded me opportunities not otherwise available in my continuing growth as a writer, in the arenas of crime victimization, communications and marketing. I shall miss her more than words can adequately express!
Donna R. Gore, M.A.
“Ladyjustice”
http://www.donnagore.com
Radio Host of “Shattered Lives”
What a terrible loss! I “found” Susan after my niece was killed by her ex. Susan really cared. She understood the pain. I am heartbroken to her that she has passed. She was a great advocate for the abused and she will be missed.