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A Survivor’s Journey: Carrie Cooper’s Story

Carrie Cooper

The Beginning of the Nightmare


In the picturesque city of Kelowna, British Columbia, where Okanagan Lake glistens under the sun, Carrie Cooper’s life seemed peaceful on the surface. A devoted mother to her son and daughter, Carrie worked hard to create a stable and loving environment for her children. But beneath the calm exterior lay years of trauma and resilience that shaped her into the advocate and survivor she is today.


Carrie’s story began with the end of her relationship with Michael N, the father of her son. Over twenty years have passed since their separation, but Michael’s actions left a haunting impact that spanned decades. In the spring of 2016, Carrie discovered something that shattered her trust completely: Michael was using hard drugs and bringing unruly individuals into his home around their son.


“One day, I went to pick up my son, and a strange man in a robe with pink lingerie underneath walked out of my son’s bedroom,” Carrie recalls. Her heart sank as she watched her son eat his cereal before school, unable to process the weight of what she had just witnessed.


Seeking Safety and Facing Fury


Fearing for her son’s safety, Carrie dropped him off at school and immediately sought help. She called social services and reached out to a women’s shelter. She started the court process to protect her son. Determined to safeguard her child, she refused to let Michael take her son anymore. That decision sparked Michael’s fury and marked the beginning of a terrifying escalation in his


“He tried breaking down my door, smashed my gate, broke things in my yard, and even drove his car into mine,” Carrie recounts. “He’d peer through our windows, leaving me in a constant state of fear.” The situation spiraled further as Michael began leaving hundreds of voicemails, filled with threats of violence. In chilling detail, he described how he planned to kill Carrie, his words haunting her every waking moment.


Living on the Run


Fearing for their lives, Carrie and her children went on the run, moving from place to place to stay safe. “Those months were some of the hardest of my life,” she says. “Every knock at the door, every unknown car passing by felt like a threat.”


Rebuilding and Advocacy


Despite the fear and chaos, Carrie found strength in her love for her son and daughter. She refused to let Michael’s actions break her spirit. Eventually, she sought legal protection, and over the years, she worked tirelessly to rebuild her life, reclaiming her sense of safety and stability.


The trauma didn’t end there. In recent years, Michael’s harassment escalated once again. In August 2024, he dared to taunt Carrie outside the courthouse, singing vulgar insults like, "Carrie, you fing b**, you should shave your legs, you f**ing b****. Eminem ain't got nothing on me." He pursued her as she fled to her car for safety. Despite court orders, he continued to bombard Carrie with messages, forcing her to navigate yet another chapter of fear and resilience.


But Carrie is not alone in this fight. With the support of trauma therapy, the justice system, the Elizabeth Fry Society, EVE (End Violence Everywhere), and her unwavering determination, she has continued to advocate for herself and her children.


The Fight for Justice


The battle isn’t over. The Crown is revoking a guilty plea deal and pushing for more jail time and possibly a trial. Carrie knows a trial will be difficult, facing the man who has tormented her for years, but she is prepared to take it on. “I am willing to do it, to get justice not only for myself but for everyone who has endured domestic violence,” she says. Her determination to seek justice is fueled by a deep desire to make a difference and hold abusers accountable.


A Beacon of Strength


Carrie Cooper’s journey is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the resilience of the human spirit. Her courage in the face of adversity inspires others to find their voice, stand against abuse, and fight for the peace and safety every person deserves.


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