International Best Seller
She never aspired to be the subject of the Top Story on the evening news, but Michelle Corrao’s abduction was the final crime in a string of assaults on women in Central Indiana in 1996. A confident, professional woman, violently assaulted and hidden in the trunk of her own car, Michelle was found by an off-duty police officer and given a second chance at life. More than twenty years after the assault, this gripping autobiography details her unexpected journey from the worst moments of her life to moments when she truly believed life couldn’t get any better. Michelle vulnerably documents her story as a source of hope for other survivors and their families, and as a compelling resource for anyone who longs to live more trauma-informed. Her compassion, gratitude, and empathy light the way for all who want to make the world a safer, kinder place.
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“With every victim, I will remember Michelle’s words.”
September 12, 1996 my life as I knew it was changed forever.
As I was approaching home after a long day’s work, I noticed three men walking down the street. Something about this was suspicious so I decided to drive around the block and when I returned to my house, they were gone.
I parked my car, grabbed my things and walked up to my door. In an instant, I was struck on the head and knocked to the ground. I raised my head to feel the blood running down my face and a voice threatening to kill me if I screamed as a gun was pushed into my face. I was scared for my life, my pleas to leave me and take my belongings ignored. Unable to escape and feeling terrified and alone, my only hope was to pray for my life and for those that I love, hoping that I would see them again.
It has been a tough journey but my faith and family have given me the strength to overcome. It is now my mission to share my story with groups, organizations and businesses to share sexual assault awareness and to help others who have been victimized.
If you would like me to share my story of hope with your group or organization, please see my Public Speaking page and contact me today.
The following pictures refer to Michelle's Book Found
No one aspires to become the top story on the evening news. Yet there I was.
Though my name was not divulged, viewers would learn that I was hit over the head near the entrance of my home, abducted, sexually assaulted, and forced into the trunk of my own car. News cameras would capture footage of my personal items strewn across the lawn around my home and along the wooded area behind a local restaurant.
The community would breathe a sigh of relief after learning that I had somehow survived and that the assailants had been caught, ending a string of similar crimes. But there is so much more to the story.
The events of September 12, 1998, would change the entire course of my life. In the days that followed, I couldn’t imagine how I could ever live a normal, happy life; and I certainly never wanted to talk about it.
This is the story of how my life was forever impacted by the compassionate heroism of an off-duty officer, the patient and powerful love of my greatest ally, and the answer to a desperate prayer during what I believed were my dying moments. I share this story now with immense gratitude for every little miracle that would happen along the way and, eventually, empower me to become a voice for others who need to know they, too, can survive whatever unexpected turns life may bring.
Life is far from perfect, but somehow Love has a way of seeking us out in our darkest moments. And, just when we think all is lost, to our amazement… we are found.
Michelle Corrao with Attorney General Eric Holder
Michelle Corrao is a keynote speaker and compassionate advocate for victims of violent crimes. For sixteen years she served at Prevail, a victim awareness and support program, where she led the charge to create Central Indiana’s first Sexual Assault Response Team (SART,) focused on victim-centered, trauma-informed care.
She is the recipient of the Special Courage Award, presented by the U.S. Attorney General (2010), and became the first-ever recipient of the Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by Indiana Attorney General.
Through Michelle’s current role as Executive Director at The O’Connor House in Carmel, Indiana, she leads programs that provide women who are single, pregnant, and homeless with safe housing and opportunities to improve life for themselves & their children.
Michelle speaks to audiences of influencers, first responders, medical professionals, military and law enforcement personnel, faith communities, and a broad scope of conferences and events aimed at creating stronger, safer communities.
