Every year millions of Americans are hurt by domestic abuse, according to the CDC. That can be physical, sexual, emotional and mental abuse. That’s why the Samaritan House in Virginia Beach is working to shine a light on the issue. This Domestic Violence Awareness month they stood with survivors as they spoke out at the 10th Annual Women Against Violence Luncheon.
After the event, News 3 sat down with keynote speaker April Hernandez Castillo to hear her story of teen dating violence.
Hernandez Castillo met her abuser when she was just 16.
“When you’re in high school and it’s your first love you are groomed at first and everything was amazing, but one day I was having a heated discussion and he struck me across the face. It just got progressively worse,” said Hernandez Castillo.
She said it included hitting, choking and isolation that continued for years.
“It got to a point where I didn’t think I would make it out alive,” she said.
The abuse led to declining grades and suicidal thoughts.