mary margaret farren is increasingly worried about her husband's tantrums and explosive anger. j. hael farren had risen to the highest levels of government. negotiating international trade agreements at the commerce department, representing the president on legal matters, general counsel at xerox. his career, a brilliant success. but his marriage, a miserable failure. what was the final straw where you said, "that's it. i have to file divorce papers?" >> our older daughter was growing up and, challenging him but then, also, feeling his rage. starting to see her take the same strategies that i would to avoid triggering his rage just broke my heart. >> reporter: after she has him served with divorce papers, farren talks mary margaret into coming home with the girls. >> i did fear that he would slap me or push me or do something. >> reporter: you didn't think your life was going to be in danger? >> i thought i could manage it. >> reporter: but, she has an escape plan. i know that when you went back home, you were strategic. you thought, just in case things don't go well, you put your

mary margaret farren was married to a white house lawyer but he attacked her just two days after she divorce papers. she says she's talking now because she hopes to make other women aware of the signs of abuse. you can see her story tonight on 20/20's at 10 o'clock right here on 6abc followed by "action news" at 11::back to you guys. >> all right alicia. "action news" continues with the latest on the measles outbreak both nationwide and right here in the delaware valley. >> and pope francis takes a stand on spanking. why the pontiff says corporal punishment is okay in certain circumstances. >> plus, the retired janitor shocks his small town. how this scruffy vermont man wound up proving you should never judge a book by its cover. >> ♪♪ >> ♪♪ >> "action news" continues with meteorologist adam joseph, alicia vitarelli shirleen allicott and brian taft. >> it is 4:30 and "action news" continues with the first freebie friday of the month where you can find everything from free tango lessons to free gym classes for the little ones. >> plus, he walked in looking for a clip on tie but walked