I think there are ways you make the Purple Man less dark and risque...many of his crimes could be mentioned but not shown.
I do think this is a great villain for this show. There is nothing worse than the feeling of helplessness and lack of control. I think this is a fear for everyone, but it is perhaps a bigger fear for women, and if you add to that the idea of a man forcing his will it can be quite scary...but it needs to be subtle.
Obviously, people would immediately think rape, but there are more subtle almost more evil things you can do. Force one to hurt a loved one. Turn your must trusted and loved people against you. Make you doubt yourself and your emotions feelings.