;Victim of Domestic Abuse;

                                 ; DOMESTIC ABUSE – MULTIPLE STABBING ;

Michelle Poulin (Browning) was a victim of domestic abuse Nov. 24/2020. Thankfully, she survived this attack though now Michelle will be unable to work for an undetermined amount of time and the injuries sustained we are told will be a minimum 4-months healing and many more month’s rehabilitation.

 

Michelle is a nurse in Wainwright Alberta and has been working diligently on the front lines during this Covid19 pandemic.  She is a single Mom to the loves of her life Braydon and Jaci-Lynn.  Michelle is a proud woman and would never ask for help though if anyone else is in need she is right there willing to do what she can.  She needs to take this time to focus on healing, not worrying about groceries and bills. There is short term disability, which as we all know is very minimal. Victim services is not available to help anymore unless there is a brain injury involved.

 

Now this is a story out of Hollywood that you watch in a movie or something that happens to other people. This starts with an old friend needing some help, so she brings him into her home until he can get on his feet. (Due to pending legal reasons, no names can be mentioned). It started out innocently enough and then a relationship developed as they both grieved over the loss of a family member/friend. It was a storybook romance in the beginning, but it was not long before the abuse started.  Starts with a slap as he leaves the living room, pulling hair when things did not go his way, name calling, stealing and racking up credit cards.  Physically, emotionally and financially in a constant battle, she was embarrassed to let anyone know what was going on. Thinking to herself, “I am a nurse, I am strong and independent why is this happening to me? Why am I letting this happen?” As in any abusive relationship you feel powerless, alienated, ashamed and as it continues; the feelings of worthlessness and embarrassment grow until it seems hopeless and too late to do anything about it.

She finally shares her story with few friends; she gains back some freedom. He is confronted and leaves, though not far, he still is constantly lingering in the background. The constant phone calls, texts full of love, then instantly threats of harm, and the odd unwanted surprise visits did not stop. Living in fear with the addition of an alarm system, locks changed, blocking friends/family on social media. Still he seemed to be always there lurking in the shadows with professions of love and change a constant.

The morning of November 24, 2020 will be one never forgotten. Michelle awakes at 5:30 am and begins her normal routine before work. She opens the back door to let the dogs out and when she goes to let her dogs back in her attacker was standing at the door on her deck, she immediately retreats into the small entry way of the house.  When speaking of the attack at his point, she says she saw pure evil in his eyes and she barely remembers yelling for her 14-year-old daughter to call the Police, the feeling of fear something she has never experienced before in her life. He closes the door and opens the knife in his hand and turns to her and begins stabbing her multiple times.  At this time Michelle protected herself as best she could against an attacker taller and bigger than her wielding a knife ensuring he would not get passed her through the entryway door to Jaci-Lynn, who at this point is on the phone with the police. Scared for her life and was certain she was not making out of that room. Why he stopped and abruptly left when he did is a reason we may never know, though we are so very thankful he did.

Police and medical teams gathered her bloodied body off that floor and took her to the very hospital she was supposed to be working at that morning. Her son drove in the ambulance with her as she was rushed to University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. All the time unsure of what the injuries were and how this day was going to unfold.  Once examined, Michelle had survived 15 potentially fatal stab wounds to her abdomen, back, shoulder, head and face.  She also has extensive stab wounds (defensive wounds) to her left hand and arm as well as damage to her right hand.  As many friends and family know, Michelle is a talented guitar player and unfortunately due to the extensive injuries on her hands from trying to defend herself, she may never play again. Doctors are optimistic that full mobility will return to her hands, so Michelle is determined to ultimately play again. Though currently she will just be blessed to be able to move her fingers again.

Anything you can donate will be much appreciated to help this little family.  Michelle has been left with many physical wounds which ultimately will heal, though the emotional healing has yet to come.  Jaci-Lynn will also be requiring multiple visits to counsellors and psychologists to help her cope with what she had to endure that morning.  As you can understand, this is completely traumatizing for a 14-year-old girl to go through. These counsellors and numerous doctor appointments are 2 hours away in Edmonton, which of course is another financial hardship for this family.

If anything good can come of this, maybe it can help one other person come forward before they have to tell their story through a Go Fund me page.  If this sounds familiar and you are afraid and embarrassed to find yourself in the same situation do not be afraid to tell someone. Do not just pretend everything is perfect, let the people who love and care for you help you! You do not want to end up lying in a pool of your own blood wondering why and if you will ever leave that tiny room.

Comments and well wishes are more than welcome, as Michelle is aware of this page and will be reading and supplying updates.