Sponsored by the new ABC drama, Red Widow: Gangsters may be tough, but they are nothing compared to the strength of a mother trying to raise and protect her children. Here are a few examples of some truly tough moms, including the amazing, misguided, and criminal:

Erin Brockovich (Getty Images)

ERIN BROCKOVICH: Before she was famously portrayed by Julia Roberts in an Oscar-winning role, Erin Brockovich was a divorced single mother of three who had been struggling to make ends meet. While working at Masry & Vititoe, she stumbled upon the case that would become the largest direct action lawsuit in U.S. history. Now Brockovich is a world-renowned consumer advocate and speaks about personal empowerment.