This episode contains descriptions of violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Yes, we were a victim that night and we were victimized again in the courtroom, but am I going to stay a victim for the rest of my life?

That is not an option. Michelle Renee didn't have an easy childhood. Her dad was abusive and she was desperate to leave the house.

There were times where, you know, we were separated and taken away from our parents.

There were times we didn't have water and electricity.

I grew up in a very, very challenging home.

I decided, you know, everything with my parents, I ran away at 15, and I got a job at Burger

King and I've been working ever since and I just never really

dealt with my childhood. I kind of just pushed it aside and never really dealt with it and

thought I'm just going to move, you know, just steamroll straight ahead. Little did she know that

the coping skills she used with her dad would be put to the test one late November night in 2000.

This is I Survived, the podcast where we talk to women who've lived through the worst things imaginable

and all the tragic, messy, and wonderful things that happen after survival. I'm Caitlin VanMall.

It started out as a very normal day,

rushing out the door,

getting my daughter to school,

getting to work,

and one thing really stood out during the day

is a gentleman came in that just seemed odd.

And that was really the only thing that stood

out. And after he left, I didn't think anything else about it. Michelle's daughter, seven-year-old

Brea, also enjoyed a very typical day. I was at school and then I was like an open house thing

...