Young Domestic Violence Victim Offers Advice to Teens

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From:http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-domestic-violence-txt,0,5430450.story

CLEVELAND -- The first day of February marked the beginning of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. According to the Domestic Violence Center in Cleveland, roughly one-in-three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship.

"I don't want anybody else to go through something like this," said Johanna Orozco.

Orozco, 20, was shot in 2007 by Juan Ruiz, her then 17-year-old ex-boyfriend who she previously accused of rape. Orozco's jaw was left shattered and she required several surgeries to repair the damage. Ruiz is now in prison serving a 21-year sentence. The two had been dating and Orozco was hiding the abuse in the relationship.

Today, Johanna talks to teenagers about survival. "I told myself, this is what I need to do," said Orozco. "This is what I have to do and I'm going to do anything in my power to change what I can't change."

"My mistake was not telling anybody anything from the beginning," said Orozco. "I never told a friend, a family, a teacher, anybody. What I tell everybody else, don't be afraid to say something. Don't be afraid to tell anybody close to you because it just gets worse."

This week, the Cavs have teamed-up with the Better Halves and the Domestic Violence Center to raise awareness to the problem. "There were about 35% of teens in the local area who said they know someone in a teen dating violence relationship or they, themselves, have been in it," said Domestic Violence Center Executive Director Linda Johanek. "It's really scary what teens are experiencing and like Johanna said, they don't tell anyone."

Johanna now works as a teen educator and talks to high school kids about the warning signs. They include verbal criticism and abuse, social isolation, blame and jealousy.

"Jealousy was the main one," said Orozco. "I didn't think it was a big deal. I thought it was cute, I thought he was trying to protect me. Some girls, 'Oh my God, he just cares!' No, it's a sign of insecurity, it's a sign he really doesn't trust you and it's not going to lead to a good thing."

Orozco advises any teenager in an abusive relationship is to call the anonymous Domestic Violence Center Hotline at (216) 391-HELP or visit their website at www.domesticviolencecenter.org.

Other events scheduled for this week include:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1: Kick-off RESPECT Week by attending a fundraiser (for adults only) at 87 West Wine Bar in Crocker Park from 7pm-9pm hosted by Mike and Carolyn Brown. Tickets are $35 and include appetizers, wine & beer (THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT). There will also be the chance to win some great auction items from local sports teams!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3: Join us for a creative display of high fashion and furniture and Harrisons Furniture Store in Westlake from 7pm-9pm (Proceeds benefit DVCs 24 Hour Emergency Hotline). This event will showcase upcoming trends in both clothing and home furnishings for the new year! Presentations by Adesso, Knuths & Nicky-Nicole. Tickets are $25 and include appetizers, wine & beer.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4: Wear purple to work and school! Show support of this important cause by wearing your favorite purple accessory, shoe or clothing item!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5: Experience Fashion Week in Cleveland at the Nordstrom Teen Fashion Presentation at Beachwood Place Mall. Teens will have the chance to view an exclusive fashion show, have their picture taken upon entering, and be escorted to their seats by St. Ignatius Football players! V.I.P Tickets are $30 and include dinner at the Nordstrom Café at 5:30pm, a Goodie Bag and preferred seating for the show! Regular Seating is $10 and the doors open at 6pm.

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