Updated October 2026
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Document The Abuse is dedicating the month to the woman whose vision made our work possible: Susan Murphy Milano.
All month long, we will share her story, building to October 28. On that date in 2007, Stacy Peterson went missing. On that same date in 2012, Susan died. Both women are at the heart of why the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit exists.
The Origins of the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA)
Who was Susan?
“Even without the media, she couldn’t escape being noticed-she’s almost 6 feet tall in heels, with long, red fingernails and a mane of red hair so impressive that a haircare company executive once tried to talk her into doing a shampoo commercial. But the two bodyguards constantly at her side tend to discourage people from approaching her.”
Susan Murphy Milano was a nationally known advocate for victims of abuse who dedicated her life to creating proactive solutions for those trapped in violent relationships.
Susan lost her mother to domestic violence and understood its devastating impact firsthand. She saw critical flaws in the justice system. Many victims reached out for help, only to be silenced by fear or, in the worst cases, by their abuser.
“The system doesn’t work,” she said. These men will stop at nothing. Women are still going to die. There’s still going to be tragedies, but not if I can help it.”
What Is the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit?
When Stacy Peterson disappeared in 2007 and her case drew national attention, Susan recognized the red flags from her own life and got to work.
She was determined to create a way for victims' voices to be heard and for justice to be served, even if a victim could no longer speak for herself. That determination became the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA), which Susan introduced in her 2010 book, Time's Up!
The Evolution and Adoption of the EAA
“Can she turn the system around? “I think I have already–but only when I’m standing there. Right now it takes me walking into a courtroom to make some of these [judges and attorneys] do the right thing. But, yeah, I think I can turn it around. Within two years, I hope to turn this whole thing on its butt.””
The EAA is a sworn, notarized document combined with video testimony. In it, a victim details their history of abuse, names their abuser, and includes supporting evidence such as medical records, emails, or text messages.
The affidavit is stored securely. Access is granted to law enforcement, attorneys, or trusted advocates only if the victim is incapacitated, disappears, or dies.
The EAA is designed to meet evidentiary standards, so a victim's own account can help hold their abuser accountable even if they cannot testify. To learn more, read How the EAA Applies in Crawford v. Washington and the Forfeiture by Wrongdoing Clause.
“In a single day last week (the only day that she counted), 300 people called Milano.
The phone calls always pour in when women die after allegedly being stalked by abusive men. A week ago, the phones had gone crazy: Two women were killed as well as the boyfriend of a third.”
-Chicago Tribune
The EAA Today: Expanding Awareness and Accessibility
Today, Document The Abuse, under the directorship of Norma Peterson, carries Susan's legacy forward by housing the EAA and promoting its use. We work with law enforcement, legal professionals, and advocacy groups to show them how to use the EAA effectively, including through our Advocacy Training program.
Technology has also made the EAA more accessible. A secure online platform now allows victims to create, store, and share their affidavits more efficiently and securely, reducing the risk that their statements are lost or destroyed.
Since Susan introduced it, the EAA has been incorporated into training for law enforcement, legal professionals, and advocates. Early on, it faced skepticism as the legal community debated its admissibility in court. As awareness has grown, so has recognition of the EAA as a powerful tool in domestic violence investigations.
The affidavit matters most when a victim has gone missing or been killed. Their recorded statement can provide crucial evidence and help bring justice to their families. Because of Susan, those victims will not be forgotten, and their experiences will not be erased.
A Force
"A marriage license is not a lifetime title of ownership, and it's past time that every segment of our society understood that."
Susan Murphy Milano, Chicago Reader
"Singlehandedly, Susan was the force behind dragging the battered women's network into the media."
Chicago Tribune
"I think there should be clones of Susan... when you need her, she's there."
Dawn Wilson, Survivor
Honoring Susan Murphy Milano’s Legacy
Susan passed away on October 28, 2012. Her vision lives on every time a survivor completes an EAA, and every time an officer, attorney, or advocate learns how to use one. As awareness grows, so does the hope that fewer victims will suffer in silence and more abusers will be held accountable, just as Susan intended.
This October, and every October, we invite you to help carry her work forward:
If you are experiencing abuse, the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit was created for you. Start your EAA here.
If you work in law enforcement, legal fields, or advocacy, learn how to bring the EAA into your practice through our Advocacy Training.
Share Susan's story using #BecauseOfSusan so more people learn her name.
If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Note: Susan always acknowledged that domestic violence is not gender based and happens to men as well. Her work focused on discriminatory practices against women and their rights.
Past articles about Susan Murphy Milano and the beginning history of her work for victims of abuse:
Chicago Tribune, Domestic Detail, October 1993
Chicago Reader, Life Saver, August 1993
Chicago Tribune, Fighting Domestic Violence, October, 1990
Video from Oprah Winfrey Show, also interview with Catherine Crier and example of EAA video testimony
More information about the EAA (Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit)
Documenting Abuse: 5 Tips and Tools
How the EAA Applies in Crawford v. Washington and the Forfeiture by Wrongdoing Clause
The EAA and How it Protects Victims of Abuse
If you are a victim of violence, stalking, or harassment this link takes you directly to the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit. CLICK HERE
If you need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency. Be safe.
