Female Magician Bound And Beaten

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A woman is beaten in the United States every fifteen seconds – and those are just the ones we know about.  Domestic Violence is a serious and rampant issue (more than 1 in 4 people will experience it in their lifetime), but many victims of abuse never report their injuries.  They are often isolated by their abusers, and suffer in silence, terrified of reaching out for help because they feel alone, are embarrassed, fear they won't be believed, or worse - suffer violent consequences.  They feel hopeless, helpless, abandoned, and feel they have nowhere to turn.

Magician/Actor Misty Lee wants to change that. An abuse survivor, she knows firsthand how controlling fear is, and understands that bravely setting out to escape an abusive relationship is risky, terrifying, and ultimately worth it.

In an effort to raise awareness for the Domestic Violence Hotline, a resource for victims of abuse, Detroit native Misty Lee wrote and created an 87-second PSA likening the choice to escaping from a Straight Jacket.  The video depicts Lee being battered by an unseen abuser (played by her husband, TV writer Paul Dini).  He calls her names, viciously beats her, and knocks her to the ground, telling her to "Just stay down."

Lee responds like she's hoping more victims will:  By standing tall, and saying, "No."

She then dislocates her shoulder, and painfully and methodically escapes the confines of the jacket.  The metaphor is poignant, and articulates both the resolve and difficulty involved with getting out safely.

"Most abusive situations are based on control," Lee says. "A victim can't just say "no" and leave, because there's a genuine chance he or she could be killed in the process.  There has to be a plan in place to ensure the safety of all escapees – children, pets, etc., and an unwavering resolve to make the leaving final.  The video is step one – making victims aware the Domestic Violence Hotline exists, so they know they're not alone.  The Hotline reps can get victims started on a plan, help them gather resources, and help them execute the steps they need to take to get away."

When asked why she felt compelled to make the video, Lee replied, "I wrote it as a love letter to my mother, who overcame the abuse she suffered, and found the strength to thrive. The abuse we endured was primarily verbal," Lee continued, "but the effects are just as debilitating and haunting.  These victims need to know they're not alone, and that they CAN escape.  It isn't easy, but it CAN be done."

View the video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bINtFT_04us

If you are or know a victim of domestic violence, help is available to you.  Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Learn more about Domestic Violence and how you can help by visiting www.TheHotline.org.  You can learn more about magician/actor Misty Lee at her website:  www.MistyLee.com.

Misty Lee is available for interviews.  A full list of the PSA's contributors is also available.  Please contact Lisa Reese via the methods above to schedule or for more information.

Video with caption: "Magician Misty Lee escapes an abuser and a straight jacket in this anti-domestic violence PSA, which she wrote and created to encourage abuse victims and let them know that help is available. If you are abused or know someone who is, please call the Domestic Violence Hotline for help: 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224 or go to www.TheHotline.org. Find out more about Misty at her website: www.mistylee.com." Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bINtFT_04us 

Image with caption: "Magician/Actor Misty Lee uses her straightjacket as a metaphor for escaping an abusive relationship. She created a video of her escape as a message of hope for abuse sufferers." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131009/MM94402

SOURCE Mad Little Raven Productions, Inc.