Survivor Spotlight: Johanna's story

12.01.2009

In the wake of Rihanna speaking out publicly about the abuse she experienced, many other teen dating violence survivors are in the spotlight. On November 13, 2009, ABC's 20/20 featured teen dating violence survivor, Johanna Orozco. She shared a story of horrific violence and loss matched only by her strength and resilience. So much can be learned from Johanna and I encourage all of you to check out this clip.

Johanna lost both of her parents in one week due to unrelated tragedies which left her and her brother under the care of their grandparents. When Johanna was of dating age, she was asked out on a date by a childhood friend, Juan. After her grandparents blessing, the two began to date. Things were wonderful in the beginning; they were admired by their classmates and everyone wanted what Johanna and Juan had. But most people didn't know about the violence that went on behind closed doors.

Juan was extremely jealous and possessive and often questioned Johanna's relationships with friends and other guys at school. For Juan, it had to be his way and if not, he would physically abuse her. She was punched, bruised and pushed around and repeatedly threatened. When Johanna couldn't take it anymore she would break up with Juan, but he would never accept her choice. She said that she would stay in the relationship not because she wanted to, but because she scared of what might happen if she didn't.

One night, Juan came to her home and raped her at knife point. He threatened that if she told anyone he would kill her, whoever she told, and then burn her house down. Johanna was scared but revealed her secret to her teacher who called the police and placed Juan in a detention center. A few days later, Juan was released from the overcrowded detention center and placed on house arrest.

Johanna tried to move on and not live her life in fear of him. On March 5, 2007, a masked gun man approached her car window and shot her in the face with a sawed off shotgun and ran off. Miraculously, Johanna was rushed to a hospital by her neighbor and received emergency surgery. Her entire jaw, chin, and mouth were in shambles. When asked who had done this, it was no surprise that Juan was to blame.

Juan was sentenced to 27 years in prison. Even at his trial he said that he had "ruined his whole life,” proving that in the end, it was still about him and not about what he had done to Johanna.

Three years and nine surgeries later, Johanna is able to live a relatively normal life. Despite all odds, Johanna says that she feels like everything happened for a reason and chose to forgive Juan in order to move on. She still has the scars but is grateful to be alive and tell her story in hopes that it might save other teen lives. She is wise beyond her years and an unbelievable role model.

What do you think of Johanna's story? What lessons of strength can be learned by her experience? Please check out this clip to hear more of her story in her own words.