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Below, you'll find Linda Dooley Johanek's letter describing the need for us to write to our state senators about House Bill 247, which deals with making it legal for teens to seek protection orders in cases of teen dating violence. Please take action which you deem appropriate
Dear Friends -
I had a conversation with Johanna Orozco on October 21st this year. Many of you may remember her traumatic story in 2007 in which she allowed the Plain Dealer to walk her journey with her and write her story. In 2007, she was raped by her obsessive ex-boyfriend and then days before the trial, he stalked her and shot her in the face. She survived - but with great pain and ifficulty - still today.
And do you know... She could not get a protection order against him because the state of Ohio does not allow it. With a very outdated law, and the increase of teen dating violence, we need House Bill 247 to pass. This law could save lives - just as it does for adults! Unfortunately Johanna bears the scars on her face, after multiple surgeries - and the deep wounds in her heart and soul.
My conversation with Johanna is striking. She said to me, "All I want for my birthday is for HB 247 to pass". Her birthday is November 28th.
When I was 18 years old, I think I wanted a sweater or earrings - or something very simple. It is tragic, yet very inspirational that this is her birthday wish. She is a very strong and amazing woman. But this bill is not just about Johanna, it is named after another teen, Shynerra, in Ohio who died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend - and the many others who have died, been injured, and survived with emotional and physical wounds, like Johanna.
(Shynerra was beaten up by her boyfriend, thrown down the stairs, suffered a broken jaw, and yet Shynerra and her parents were turned away by the courts, saying she could not get a protection order as a minor. One year later, with no portection order, he killed her.)
Currently, HB247 passed the House and is now in the senate.
We have a small
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