Johanna: Facing Forward

A look at what can happen in abusive relationships, and the medical, legal, and emotional aftermath of a teenager getting shot by her boyfriend.

When teenager Johanna Orozco was shot by her boyfriend, Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Rachel Dissell and photographer Gus Chan spent six months on this project that lead to nine major stories in the newspaper. The series called attention to what can happen in abusive relationships. The unusual use of animated graphics to open the online story takes viewers right into the issues faced by the medical team. Johanna’s story is told from multiple points of view, including the head of surgery. Other chapters, containing audio slideshows of varying lengths, include the sentencing of the shooter and a one-year follow-up that tells readers of Johanna starting college. There are also podcasts.

Photography: Gus Chan

Reporting and audio: Rachel Dissell

Animated graphics: William Neff

VIEW: http://www.cleveland.com/johanna/facingforward/

ONLINE-ONLY EXTRAS

• Multimedia slideshows: Follow Johanna on her race to the hospital through the day her attacker admitted his guilt in court

• Podcast: Chapter 1 - A desperate plea to remain alive

• Podcast: Chapter 2 - A tender bond turns abusive

• Podcast: Chapter 3 - A young life shattered

• Podcast: Chapter 4 - Time to start the mending

• Podcast: Chapter 5 - Surgery begins to shape future

• Podcast: Chapter 6: Heading home, yet still afraid