Vigil to Spotlight Teen Dating Violence

Remembering the victims of teen dating violence—and making sure their ranks don't grow—are the goals of an upcoming candlelight vigil at  in Lake Forest.

Coinciding with the nationally-recognized Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, organizers will share information about how to prevent the cycle of abuse from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the secondhand shop at Suite F, 23635 El Toro Rd.

The gathering is the second such event put on by Laura's House, an Orange County domestic violence prevention organization.

Among those being honored during the vigil will be Jacque Villagomez, a graduate of El Toro High School in Lake Forest, who died at the hands of her abuser in September 2008.

“Jacque was only 19 years old when she was killed by her boyfriend,” said Marissa Presley, a bilingual prevention education specialist with Laura’s House. “Sadly, she is not alone."

Presley said that recent studies show one in one in four high school students, both young men and women, are in a physically abusive relationship. Nearly 80 percent of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser, she said.

Ten Warning Signs of Abuse

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do

(Source: Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month)

This is the second year in a row that Laura’s House has held a candlelight vigil commemorating Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. In February 2011, to pay tribute to Villagomez and all victims of teen dating violence.

The public is encouraged to attend the candlelight vigil, particularly families with teens and pre-teens, to learn more about how to prevent dating violence. Morgan Berschauer, a senior at Laguna Hills High School and the current Ms. Teen Orange County, will serve as the guest speaker for the event.

For more information about teen dating violence, visit TeenDVMonth.org.