PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A mother whose daughter was murdered by an ex-boyfriend is doing everything she can to make sure this doesn't happen to someone else's child, during a time where the focus rises about teen dating.
Morgan McCaffery was stabbed to death at a Montgomery County train station parking lot in 2020.
"This is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It was enacted last year by President Biden because they realized what an epidemic teen dating violence was," said Kathy McCaffery, Morgan's mother. She and her family created Morgan's Light Foundation in her memory.
"Morgan's Light is out there to bring awareness to teen dating violence, young adult dating violence," Kathy added.
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"We talk to them about what unhealthy relationships are and if you are in a unhealthy relationship, or if you are in a violent relationship, getting out the right way is just as important as getting out."
Kathy encourages families to talk about how to end relationships where there is a possibility of abuse and violence.
"We don't really talk about how to break cycles. How to be healthy for yourself. In the end, really love yourself and put yourself first. Especially when you have instincts that you could be in danger," she said, encouraging the use of professional services such as domestic violence crisis lines and shelters.
"This doesn't apply to people who are in relationships with children. This applies to everybody."
She said the most dangerous time for someone is after they leave the relationship, which is why you need professional help to do it.
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What her daughter Morgan didn't realize is the most dangerous time for people in an abusive relationship is when they leave it.
"She had a very normal day the day before," Kathy said.
"I think she just didn't believe that he would be capable of something like that. But he was."
The CDC said one in 11 teen girls reports having experienced physical dating violence in the last year.
They say in order to prevent dating violence, it's crucial to teach kids as young as 11 how to develop healthy relationships.
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If you think you or someone you know may be in an abusive relationship and needs help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE or texting “START” to 88788.
The following local services are also available:
Morgan’s Light resources
Women Against Abuse
Philadelphia
1-866-723-3014
A Woman’s Place
Doylestown, Bucks County
1-800-220-8116
Laurel House
Norristown, Montgomery County
1‑800‑642‑3150 or text “HOPE” to 85511
Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County
Media, Delaware County
610-565-4590
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
West Chester, Chester County
888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430
New Jersey Office of Domestic Violence Services
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
1-800-932-4632 (in Pennsylvania)