Teen abuse survivor Johanna Orozco talks to local students domestic violence

BEDFORD, Ohio - 22-year-old Johanna Orozco spoke to students at Bedford Highschool about how her life changed after her high school boyfriend shot her in the face with a shotgun.

Even though she endured years of face transplant surgeries after the shooting, Johanna has since recovered and has become a featured guest speaker for Operation Keepsake, Inc., as well as a teen educator at the Domestic Violence Center of Cleveland.

She has also shared her courageous story on national news programs, including Oprah and 20/20.

During Bedford High School's dating violence program, Orozco gave an inspiring and educational message about self respect, confidence and the "red flags" of an unhealthy relationship.

Orozco challenged students in the program to be aware of what is happening in their best friends lives.

Orozco says she pushed all of her friends away when she was involved with her violent boyfriend, but she wishes her friends who suspected something was wrong would have told done something about it.

The students were told to be vigilant friends and report suspicions, even if it means that person will be mad at you for a little while. Eventually, Orozco said, they will thank you.

When reflecting on the tragic event of that day when her boyfriend shot her, Johanna said, "I don't really remember much about that day. I have gone through so much in my life already, and the support of my friends and family helped me move on with my life and say this happened for a reason. I knew that I had a story to tell and I had to share it."

Orozco's boyfriend was arrested and sentenced to 27 years in prison.