CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) –
Teen dating violence is an alarming trend throughout the country, kids involved in dangerous and sometimes deadly relationships.
Now, a national effort is underway to expose warning signs and stop the violence.@
An abusive dating relationship nearly cost Johanna Orozco her life, “He got controlling, very jealous. I couldn’t wear certain clothes or hang around with certain people til it got to a point where I couldn’t hang around with my family.”
Johanna survived, her ex-boyfriend behind bars now, but many don’t survive the violence.
Police still not confirming whether the 16-year-old boy they have in custody for the shooting death of 16-year-old Jennifer Zacarias was her boyfriend or not, but family members have said that’s what detectives told them.
Jennifer was shot and killed in her own backyard on Friday. It’s too late to escape the relationship for her, but not for the one in five teens out there currently in an abusive relationship.
Dr. Margaret Stager with MetroHealth Medical Center warns,”The cycle may start off with very sweet and loving affectionate behaviors that turn the corner to become more abusive and controlling behavior which then might be followed by an apology – the sweetness the kindness the affection and back around again.”
Dr. Stager has seen victims of teen dating violence in her practice over the years. She says it’s important for teens and their parents to know the warning signs.
To read more on the warning signs teens need to know, click here: 19actionnews.com
Article and Picture Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
