Tracey Thurman Story
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Tracey Thurman is known as a Connecticut housewife who suffered domestic violence done by her husband, Charles Buck Thurman. The dreadful abuse came to a climax in one bloody night when Buck Thurman stabbed Tracey 13 times. Buck was then arrested, and Tracey could be saved by doctors.
Thurman Law was resulted from Tracey’s effort when she sued police officers as she failed to get proper protection from the local police force in 1989. Tracey Thurman was left partially paralyzed and received a $2.3 million in damages in 1985.
A Cry For Help: The Tracy Thurman Story, a film inspired by Tracey Thurman story was made in 1989, first aired on October 2, 1989. Nancy McKeon, who played Tracey Thurman in A Cry for Help, starred in the film in the hope that it would keep Buck Thurman in the prison for a longer time.
Todays date is February 27th 2011. You can watch this full-length movie right now on the Lifetime website. It will be playing for a limited time. Go watch!
as a victium of domestic crimes against children and this story has a part of it that the father also injured CJ in that CJ will never have a Father, he will always know what his father did to his mother, and watch his mother suffer everyday. Hoping that this does not cause a violent child and as he becomes a father him self respects woman, in stead of beating them like his dad.
MY SISTER WAS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE I SEEN HOW HER HUSBAND TREATED HER ALL OVER HER FACE. A COUPLE OF TIMES SHE DENIED IT BUT WE ALL SEEN IT BUT IT TOOK HER TO DO SOMETHING BUT SOMETIMES I THINK SHE WAITED TO LATE THEY WERE MERRIED 11 YRS BUT, I THINK IT STARTED BEFORE….BUT SHE IS FREED FROM HIM BUT HER FACE HAS NO FEELING EVERYTIME I SEE HIM I WANT TO KILL HIM BUT AS LONG AS SHE IS NOT WITH HIM I AM HAPPY BUT…IF SHE HADNT LEFT HIM. I THINK I WOULD HAD KILLED HIM I WAS A DOMESTIC WIFE TOO, BUT ONLY FOR A YR AND I TOOK CARE OF HIM HE NOW WALKS WITH A LIMP AND DOES NOT WANT TO SEE ME EVER AGAIN AND THATS JUST FINE WITH ME…SO I WARNED MEN IF YOU EVEN THINK OF HITTING ME DNT SPEND THE NIGHT WITH ME CAUSE YOUR MAMA WILL KNOW WHERE YOUR AT EVERYDAY… 365 DAYS OF THE YR
I am so saddened by this story. I was only eight years old when this movie came out.it is sickening. I could never just stand there while my friend is getting beat.even a stranger that’s why I keep mace on me at all times. It can also help someone else get away. I wish and pray Mrs. Tracy is doing okay and very safe. God Bless you Mrs Tracy, you and your CJ.
I am so saddened by this story. I was only eight years old when this movie came out.it is sickening. I could never just stand there while my friend is getting beat.even a stranger that’s why I keep mace on me at all times. It can also help someone else get away. I wish and pray Mrs. Tracy is doing okay and very safe. God Bless you Mrs Tracy, you and your CJ. And I pray those police officers aren’t still in law enforcement. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
I am a victim of domestic violence by my husband. The reality is that most abusers don’t harm their victims where it will be noticed because they do not want a criminal record. The truth is that any physical contact to you is abuse. It can be grabbing and throwing, pulling your hair, pushing you against a wall, spitting at you, throwing objects to make you fall…….any of it is wrong. You do not have to be as badly beat up as Tracy to say that it is domestic violence. There is baby steps to violence that can turn into death. Please if this is you……..get aware from anyone hurting emotionally or physically. I have turned my life around, and you can make a better life for yourself. Here are the steps that help me plan my escape.
1. Reserve money in saving account in a Wal-Mart. Everytime you buy groceries take money over and deposit in this account.
If you have a job you can hide money with direct deposit as partical to your savings account.
2. Copy important documents like Tax returns, life insurance policies, keep original of birth certificates, and any proof of income from your spouse as most recent before leaving. This will help to file a divorce to validate their income.
3. Make sure that you document all abuse by dates and type of abuse. Also make sure that you tell people your stories. This will help you later when you leave to report to police and later restraining order of abuse.
4. You will need enough cash to live for 6 months due to court proceedings to provide your spouse to begin to pay you. You will need to determine if you will be using a shelter to be free and it is available as an option if you do call the police. If you do not than of course a friend is the next best option. Make sure you file a restraining order the next day after calling the police, and that you have somone close to you stay with you if your chosing to stay at home.
God Bless you, and you CAN DO ESCAPE………your life will be better than what you are currently lving now.
I am a victim of domestic violence by my husband. The reality is that most abusers don’t harm their victims where it will be noticed because they do not want a criminal record. The truth is that any physical contact to you is abuse. It can be grabbing and throwing, pulling your hair, pushing you against a wall, spitting at you, throwing objects to make you fall…….any of it is wrong. You do not have to be as badly beat up as Tracy to say that it is domestic violence. There is baby steps to violence that can turn into death. Please if this is you……..get aware from anyone hurting emotionally or physically. I have turned my life around, and you can make a better life for yourself. Here are the
steps that help me plan my escape.
1. Reserve money in saving account in a Wal-Mart. Everytime you buy groceries take money over and deposit in this account.
If you have a job you can hide money with direct deposit as partical to your savings account.
2. Copy important documents like Tax returns, life insurance policies, keep original of birth certificates, and any proof of income from your spouse as most recent before leaving. This will help to file a divorce to validate their income.
3. Make sure that you document all abuse by dates and type of abuse. Also make sure that you tell people your stories. This will help you later when you leave to report to police and later restraining order of abuse.
4. You will need enough cash to live for 6 months due to court proceedings to provide your spouse to begin to pay you. You will need to determine if you will be using a shelter to be free and it is available as an option if you do call the police. If you do not than of course a friend is the next best option. Make sure you file a restraining order the next day after calling the police, and that you have somone close to you stay with you if your chosing to stay at home.
God Bless you, and you CAN DO ESCAPE………your life will be better than what you are currently lving now.
It is so hard to realize that even after the Thurman case and so many thousands of others like it since, we still don’t give battered women and children a chance for justice, and rights as victims.
And restraining orders, nice to have, but while an officer might be responding, anything can happen. The order is jsut a piece of paper, and you stand in line waiting for someone to come hoping it will be in time, , ,if not, another vicitim-if you live. SO SAD that we cannot do more.
I would love to know if Tracy is ok and if they let that abuser out, since he threatened to “finish the job” as most abusers do.
And the boy CJ, did all the abuuse scar him for life?
I did some research, and since this case moved for change, almost all the rights and success in gaining justice and protection have since been taken away.
In fact, the criminals have more secured and protected rights than victims.
I just watched this movie, I hope this man is still in jail and does not ever have the chance to hurt another woman. I wish I could have been a part of his hearing, I would have loved to sentence him to death. As for Ms. Tracy and CJ, I hope they are doing well and the Torrington Police dept. should be held accountable. After all, it is their duty to PROTECT AND SERVE!!!!!!
I was a victim of domestic violence until I heard about this story. It took me seeing this movie too realize “this could be me”. I have left my abuser. He is currently serving time for attemped murder. Thanks too you I have moved forward. I am now happily in a relationship and engaged too be married. You are truly a survivor and an inspiration too all women. I thank you Tracy Thurman
I again watched this and remember when I was young when this first aired in 1989. It haunted me … especially that scene where he is stomping on his wife. It was on Lifetime today again … so sad that she cried for help and they were not there for her. I, too, hope that he is locked up for good.
I was a victim of domestic violence..I escaped the relationship when I realized my self worth and that no one has the right to abuse me..it took a few years but I was able to leave the relationship..When the movie came out in 1989 I was still in the middle of the hell of the marriage. When I see the movie even to this day I shutter because it brings back my horrible experience to me.
I am here to tell you women (or men) whoever is being abused, NO ONE has the right to hurt you, physically or emotionaly..You are worth more than that..I dont care how sorry they say they are or how much they say they love you…it is not worth staying involved with them..And they WILL do it again..
Turn to others for help, friends, family, church, or shelters..
Remember you are special and deserve to live free of fear and pain
I watched the movie again today. It has always haunted me. I hope Tracey is a happy as she can be today. What on earth made Buck such an animal?
Buck Thurman’s character said in the movie that his mother held a loaded gun to his head as a child–so I would say child abuse history contributed to his hatred and abuse of women–still, that’s no excuse. Tracey Thurman has since remarried. Buck Thurman was released from prison only seven years after his conviction–and was charged with abusing another woman in the late 1990s.
I just read that their son, who was two when his father nearly killed his mother, has gone to jail for beating a woman. He may still be in jail now, or he may have been released. And the vicious cycle continues…
Sadly her son was arrested in 1999 for drugs and such he faces 8 yrs in jail. i hope somone will give him treatment due to his trauma as a child… but he’s here in CT.. so i doubt they will help him rehabilitate or overcome his problems
I had the same going on in my life ,my heart gosout to her and the sonet her son must get help for himself to break the pattern in his family
I am seeing a friend go through this now by her ex boyfriend. She is homeless and James her ex keeps going to jail and they keep letting him out over and over again. Just tonight he attacked her and her pop and I called the cops and now maybe they say this time he has got several charges which he did before but he will go to court this time and hopefully will stay in for a lot longer.
Tracy, I am watching your story again, and it’s still just as shocking now as it was the first time. It’s so scary. I just hope that Buck abides by court orders to stay away from you. I pray that you can have a peaceful life now. I’m, so sorry.
Hey Tracy, i just finish watching your story..Sad I am..I have watched it a few time.But I still get a sick/sad feeling everytime. As a child i watched my grandmother get abused by my grandfather..I pray that you and your family is doing well..God is always in control..
I have seen this movie many times, and each time I am deeply disturbed. I myself lived as a child in a very disturbing household. My father beat my mother terribly as I was growing up. Broke her ribs, her face was bruised on a reguler basis. I had 2 younger sisters that I as a little girl of 5 years old had to protect from him. We would hid behind dressers in the bedroom that my mother would put on an angle in our rooms. Now when I think back as to why she liked to put things on an angle, I know she did that so we could hid behind things, out of his sight. I feel the police should have gotten a stricter sentense thanwhat they got. How sinnful of them for not protecting her or their child. No amount of money will bring her quality of life nor that of her childs. I myself have suffered thru out my childhood because of a violent man. My mother left when I was 9 and we had to go into hiding. Altho I loved my father because that is what he was, I was afraid of the violence and I loved my mother and she was not deserving og her treatment. NO ONE has the right to treat someone in that way becauser they are married or they are living together. This would not be tollerated on the street by complete strangers. Where is America coming from “The land of the free”?
I just happen upon this movie. I am in shock that the state of Conneticute was so damn stupid and ignorant. To watch this movie my heart raced. Seems like the courts screwed up and her husband is wayyyyyy too abusive. I too went through a bad marriage. Buck was too possessive. And to think he has another wife. The story is incredible. My first marriage lasted 18 months. And we had a child. I mean when your a man or woman you don’t have the right to abuse your spouse. Mentally or physically. Someday buck will get his. The authorities in this state didn’t do their job. Hope they can sleep at night. I hope Tracy is in a better life. God bless you girl
Tracey Thurman’s husband should have gotten life in prison without parole for what he did to her. She deserves a better man who loves her for her and would not hurt her like Buck did.
Hey if Tracy ever needs someone to protect her my Dad and I will be right there.
I watched the Tracy Thruman story today and felt and do feel sorrow for what she indured. I grew up in a home with mental and physical abuse and married a man who was abusive as well. He is dead now, no I did not kill him cancer did that for me. I am past all of the abuse and I realize it was not my fault. My life is calm and peaceful. there is no man in my life at the moment as husband #2 past on from cancer however he treated me wonderfully.
As I read the comments on here I saw a question regarding Buck Thruman asking what happen to him after his release in 1991 and prision did not reprogram or help him, as he repeated his abuse on a girlfriend they too had a boy together. The girlfriend was so afraid of him she took the baby and ran refused to press charges he is now remarried. Who knows where. The son CJ Tracy’s son has been in and out of prison for drug related charges. CJ goes by his mothers maiden name. MY prayers go out to Tracy and her son. As for Buck if he is still abusing women I think there is only one way he will never hit another women and cancer isn’t always a bad thing.
This severe abuse and even the murder of women is one of the most serious and frequent crimes in the U.S. The number one cause of death to women in the U.S. is murder. When you see those that are brought to our attention on t.v., one must realize the extent of this crime. A large percentage of men in this country (and probably in the world) do not respect women and cannot stand a strong woman. This is why we see the slander of women in politics
and other areas of public life. For many men we are not far from the cave man days or the beginning of civilization. There are many
good men out there, but they are hard to find. When one establishes a relationship with a man, she should not dismiss any
sign of control, out of control anger, or abuse that she sees, even verbal. I have heard of many girls who marry, and a change occurs almost the instant the vows are said. Women must be aware
and careful.
Hello,
I just finished watching this movie on lifetime. I hate to think
that there are women who are still living in abusive relationships.
The laws have changed. Yes, there was a time when the police did nothing, but those days are OVER!! I have always said that if a man hits me, he had better kill me, because I really believe I will go CRAZY on him. The thought of a man hitting a women, defies all logic I believe in.
I was flipping channels and found Tracey’s story. It’s a sad portrait of how men used to think of women and still do. Not just husbands, but authority figures who are supposed to protect everyone. So many laws on the books but women were just chattel. Once we were married, we were owned by our husbands. Any lands, money, or goods we brought with us were all theirs and we couldn’t do anything about it. Even though we live in enlightened times, women are still treated with distain and as lower life forms. If you happen to find a man who treats you with the respect you deserve, you are very lucky. Unfortunately, there is still so much to be changed regarding women’s rights. There are people tirelessly working out there to improve our lives but unfortunately it takes something horrible like what happened to Tracey to put forth a lot of that change. Please vote for good legislators who are aware of the plight of women and their issues and donate when you can to help women of abuse of any kind. We have to help our sisters. God Bless you Tracey and all women of abuse. I hope you find the wonderful lives you deserve.
i like the story but is they the real people or is they playing a part i covered my eyes on the stabbing part is she alive or not
i feel bad for and i’m glade she got money i watched it 50 times already
I first saw this movie when I was 9 yrs old. But for some reason it disturbed me more now than then. Don’t get me wrong it traumatized me but being grown now I see it from a different perspective. My sister (her husband was killed in an oil field accident) is in an abusive relationship right now. He has put his hands on her before but it was more grabbing hair or arms. However on Christmas, when they were 7 hours from home visiting his family, he decides to punch her in the face 3 times knocking her out and took off. The police were called and of course she did not file charges on him. 2nd time on 4th of July, he punched her in the face in front of her 3 yr old son, then called my mom to come and see his lovely work. Needless to say she is still “talking” to him. Growing up we both saw our mom get hit by her boyfriend who used to be a boxer. And that was bad. I walked in and he was on top of her about to smash her face with a sterio, lukily he stopped. It has been a cycle in my family – my grandma, my mom, my aunt, my counsin, and now my sister have been in abusive relationships.
God Bless all the woman and children out there who are victims of abuse. Get out before it is to late…
I’ve watched this movie I think every time it’s been on TV & I still can’t watch the scenes where he beats her & then when he flips and beats her & stabs her & that stupid cop that let’s it all happen because he was not only old but afraid.
My sister was a victim of domestic violence. He’s dead and she has a whole new life (Thank God) but while this was happening to her she went thru the same ordeal-not to the extreme that Tracy did but he beat her & he walked up to her while she was talking to a cop & he slapped her across the face & walked away & the cop DID NOTHING!!! It’s a shame that after all this time the police are still afraid to defend anyone who is a victim of domestic violence. I want to thank Tracy Thurman for doing what she did. I wish she didn’t have to go thru what she did. I hope after all these years she has found peace & love. He loved her but I think it was more of a obsession with love-he didn’t know how to handle it but that’s no excuse-there is never ever a excuse to hit a woman. May the both be at peace and their beautiful son CJ too.
DEAR Tracey i hope buck has gone on with his life.IN MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN YOUR FAMILY SAFE.I FIND MYSELF WORRYING ABOUT YOU ALOT THE MONEY CAN NEVER MAKE UP FOR WHAT YOU LOST.I HOPE YOUR SON IS ALSO DOING WELL.
I first saw this movie when I was only five or six and the part where he was stabbing her stuck with me forever. I just watched this movie again and I am currently 19. It still makes me sick to think no one would help her until the last possible minute…
However I looked up an update on all of them.. I didnt find much on Tracey but did find the Buck is currently living in Mass. and has a new wife and CJ was sentenced to seven years in prison due to drug charges..
Tracy I saw your life story when it first aired, they had on today and I had to turn it off when they showed how your ex-husband was stabbing you, I really feel bad for you I was beat up in a past relationship and left when he broke my arm, God Bless you and your son always, and God will take care of your ex-husband!!!
I really like the strength of Tracey…what I did not like was how the judge ruled that Buxk leave the state and he disobeyed the order. He found employment and continue to make threats on her life. I hope to this day 09/26/11 that Tracey and her son are doing well and he has grown up to be a nice young man and did not inherit his father temper and violent nature….I was a victim myself at a very young age (17) and had a oung daughter, but with God in my xcoener seeing me through I made it Through and have a good husband a loving children and three grandchildren. To Tracey where ever yoy are, stay in prayer and God Bless you and your family.
Sad story. Probably many like that. Abuse should be a required High School class. All types. Teach the kids what they really need to know about life.
I saw this movie several, several years ago and watched it again just a few minutes ago. I am so sorry that this happened to Tracey. So, so, sorry. God bless you.
I just watched the movie on Lifetime for the third time. It was as gut wrenching and sad as the first time I saw it. I have definitely braved some past abusive relationships and escaped. Watching some of the scenes brings back memories of my past abuse, but I can look back on how much progress I’ve made. I’m a much stronger woman today
for leaving that abuse behind.
Tracy where ever you are, Stay safe and Stay well. Keep your chin up
and sending prayers!!!!
as a child of abuse and my mon=m who was also abused by my dad i know what its like im so greatfull everyday that it never got to that point however i was sent to hospitals if anything being abused maakes you stronger however you never fully recover its a hard thing to deal with and for some even though your away it never ends well for me atleast i my one word of advice is dont depend on police to help you the best way to get out is to do it yourself ar through an abuse hotline it takes too long for police to belive you as you can see from the movie you just have to be strong when i saw this movie i could tell it was a true story from the details that only someone who lived trough it would know i send my love to her and her family
9/27/11; i will never understand why someone would not get LIFE in prison for stabbing and stomping someone; wife, person, man, woman, or child!!!
NOW he is living still and re-married; how scary for anyone that lives with him.
Dear God; bring justic.
I remember seeing that movie the first time it was on TV and the violence still makes me sick to think about it. I thought her husband should have gotten more jail time, but he claimed Tracey had nothing to worry about when he got out, so maybe he was rehabilitated. Still, I don’t know why any woman would want him or any man like him. We women really need to realize how valuable we are.
It was sad to see Tracey, who wanted a good life, to end up as she did.
I seen “A Cry for Help” a million times now. It’s so terrifying. I was just 3 years old when it first came out on TV too. Every time I watched it, I start to cry because I feel so bad for Tracey, she deserved a better life than that. The more I watch this movie, the more I think about her and wonder how she’s doing now and I just happened to be on the internet looking her up. Tracey, I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing so much better with your life now. You keep staying strong, girl. I hope you never go through a horrible situation like that again. I keep you in my thoughts and pray to God that he keeps you safe.
Hello Kamryn,
I saw yoru reply for Tracy Thurman, I saw the move last night, and I thought she is me… I have five children, I do work, but he wont leav me alone, I have been marrien 30 years, I did ask for a divorce 29 years ago, but he won’t give it, and my family said I have a child to make it work, now I have children, I have managed with the abuse to earned 2 degrees BA in Business Manabement and A culinary Degree from The French Culinary Institute. Yet, as an educatiated woman Im being abuse every day, should I feel warm and put the fan on, he says im a fat piig … nevery mind hat I p[ay all the bills he doenst work, I have left … but cus of the children he gets their sympathy, can you adivse me what to do.
Thank you,
Joan
3478088387
I have seen “A Cry of Help” many times. Even now it still leaves me with the feeling of rage, disbelief and a loss of understanding. I was a victim of domestic violence in my first marriage. My ex did bodily damage and tried severe violence more than once. I lived in terror, not knowing when the next time would be. I kept it from my family and friends for a long time. However, instead of becoming more and more afraid, I got sick and tired of being sick and tired; so I started fighting back. In restropect, I did not care if one of us died. I filed for divorce and waited for the battle. I was done being afraid. Fortunately, when he realized my family and friends now knew what was going on and that I was willing to protect myself any way I had to, he went away. I cannot belief Buck was not sentenced to life in prison.
A lot of the comments here are very true and helpful.
I have been remarried over 20 years to a good man who would never strike a woman. However, I know in my heart that if any man attempted to hurt me, I would defend myself. The hard part is not knowing how persisent the abuser is. One of my nieces was hit by her boyfriend, however, the whole family found out and this guy headed for the hills; good choice.
It amazes me how these abusers are let out to walk among society. What happened to Tracy NEVER should have happened. The Police Dept..I won’t even get on that bandstand. They should have gone to jail for not protecting her.
To any woman in an abusive relationship, I understand your fear and terror. DON’T HIDE IT!! Talk to your family, friends, and go to the police. GET OUT!!
Tracy is a brave woman that is a inspiration to all women.
That man was insane What was wrong with that Police Dept.? are they too Crazy?
I just watched this show for the first time and I even read the case in college. I am a wife of 15 yrs my husband has never physically abused me but mentally and emotionally which is just as bad. The physical marks will eventually blend in with your complexion but the eternal ones only blends in the heart. Some times we as women don’t want to seem as we are not strong, the truth is we are stronger then we think we are. Strong enough to walk away strong enough to encourage another person and strong enough to love our selves.Some one said a man can not rape his wife and I said rape is rape no matter who does it. The moral to this is for too long society has set a norm for a man but not for a women. These laws are so outdated and it’s up top us as a people to go to our congress and make some noise in order to be heard do they can change some of these old laws. God Bless
i just seen the story for the first time and it is very disturbing to me. i am a recent victim of domestic violence i was with my ex for 6 months and after the first month he started hitting me, he cut me off from my family and my friends and he sold my car from me just to make sure that i could never leave the house. i did finally get away from him and it took everything in me not to give up. tracey hearing your story made me realize that you should never give up and to keep fighting to get yourself back together…i pray that you are healing and getting stronger.