In 25 years, The Oprah Show has done more than 120 shows on domestic violence, but no story was more horrific, no lesson more important, than that of Carolyn Thomas.

Carolyn had been in an abusive relationship for eight years with her boyfriend Terrence. One night, the abuse turned deadly when Terrence went from ranting to grabbing a gun, Carolyn says. After a struggle, Terrence shot and killed Carolyn's mother. He then grabbed Carolyn's throat and shot her at point-blank range. Against all odds, Carolyn survived. She says she believes she survived to tell her story.

Read more about Carolyn's first appearance on The Oprah Show