KCBD NewsChannel 11 LubbockDomestic violence education headed to Lubbock high schools

Domestic violence isn't something we think of happening between teenagers.  However, according to officials with Women's Protective Services, domestic violence among teens is happening in Lubbock at an alarming rate.

"What we see is that almost 2 in 5 young ladies experience domestic violence," WPS Community Education Coordinator Roy Rios said.  "It's going on here in Lubbock right now."

Felicia Lafuente, who also works at WPS, knows first hand the dangers of an abusive teen relationship.

"I was 14 when I started dating my abuser.  Unfortunately, it lasted for 7 years, partially due to the fact that I had no idea I was in an abusive relationship," Lafuente said.

The relationship with her abusive boyfriend lasted through college.  The violence came to a head one evening when he physically attacked her during an argument.

"Before I could even move to kick him or push him off of me, he pushed me through the wall and was strangling me," Lafuente said. "I don't know if it was my face turning pale or me whispering the words 'don't kill me' - but he finally did stop and I passed out."

Lafuente's relationship with her boyfriend eventually ended.  Now, Lafuente uses her story to help educate others about the dangers of teen domestic violence.  Rios says he is inspired by Lafuente's courage to share her story.

"I think Felicia's story is what is so beautiful about this issue ... that there's hope, hope you can overcome the negative situations in your life,"  Rios said.

WPS is now working on a program set to kick off in Lubbock high schools in August.  It's called "Expect Respect."

"It's an actual 26-week curriculum that they will go through that's going to really help them identify what a negative relationship is and how to build healthy ones," Rios said.

The program will also offer up youth support groups at each high school campus.  Organizers say they also plan to start working with the Texas Tech Theatre Program to create plays and skits about teen domestic violence.

Felicia is happy to see a program like this start up in Lubbock.

"If I had a program like this in high school, I would have thought right away that him being so jealous and controlling and possessive - I would have seen huge red flags I would have noticed and thought - wait a minute, this isn't the relationship I should be in," Lafuente said.  "I could have avoided years and years of what I went through - the heartbreak, the trauma."

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