FAST FACTS
- 19 year old facing aggravated assault charges
- 1 in 3 teens reportedly involved in domestic violence
- Experts think abuse in teen relationships is higher in Memphis
(MEmphis 03/06/2012)—A Memphis teenager faces charges after police say he beat up his 17 year old girlfriend. Ladarius Lyles is in jail on aggravated assault.
Lyles’ family says it was an argument over a text message that set off 19 year old Ladarius Lyles and landed him in jail. He and his 17 year old girlfriend were arguing his Raleigh home.
“He was pushing her out the door, she didnt want to leave, she opened the door after he closed it.” said Lyles’ cousin, Victoria Marshall.
Police reports say Lyles strangled and scratched and the 17 year old. Officers also noticed the girl had a busted lip.
Lyles’ cousin Victoria Marshall tells News Channel 3, Lyles has welts and bite marks all over his neck and arms from his girlfriend. Neighbors who didn’t want to go on camera, aren’t surprised the 19 year old is in trouble.
“To hit any woman is wrong, a man has too much power over a woman, its not a fair fight.” said a neighbor.
National statistics show, one in three teenagers have been involved in domestic violence. But Elizabeth Shelley with the YWCA thinks in Memphis, it might be higher because violence is worse in the Mid-South compared to other parts of the country. She be lives many teens just aren’t equipped to handle the relationship.
“It’s their first relationship. Their emotions and hormones are high. They feel strongly. If someone tries to break up, it can become ugly quickly.” said Shelley.
Shelley stresses to any teen who might be in a violent relationship or has a friend that is, to tell an adult they trust.
If you are in trouble, you can call the YWCA hotline at 725-4277.
