ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — As February marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Madison Schemitz, a survivor of a stabbing attack by her ex-boyfriend in June of 2023, is using her experience to raise awareness about teen dating violence. 

Schemitz was stabbed 17 times outside a restaurant in Ponte Vedra by her ex-boyfriend, Spencer Pearson. He was sentenced to life in person.

The attack left her paralyzed, facing a challenging recovery to learn to walk again. Despite the trauma, the now 18-year-old refuses to let it dictate her future.

“I wasn’t going to let it control my life,” Schemitz told First Coast News. “It wasn’t going to be something that held me down or stopped me from using my voice.”

Schemitz is now a freshman in college. As she continues to recover, she is actively working to educate others about the dangers of teen dating violence. Recognizing warning signs in relationships can often be overlooked.

“I feel like a lot of kids are naive to things like this happening, just because it’s not normal,” Schemitz explained.

She says some red flags in unhealthy relationships, include intensity, possessiveness, manipulation and isolation.

Schemitz also works hand in hand with the One Love Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating young people about healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics.

The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners has also officially acknowledging February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

For those currently in abusive situations, Schemitz says to speak out to your support system and loved ones when something feels wrong.

“There is a way out, and there is almost a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

As Schemitz continues to shape her future, she’s grateful for her second chance at life.

“I’m so thankful that I have the opportunity to be here and be in college and to be able to live my life and to, frankly, be alive,” Schemitz added. “If you find yourself in hell, keep going.”

Resources for those affected by domestic violence are available throughout the First Coast area, including the Betty Griffin Center in St. Johns County, Quigley House in Clay County, and the Hubbard House serving Duval and Baker Counties.

All these organizations offer 24-hour hotlines for those in need of assistance.