Gabby Petito Foundation shines a light on domestic violence prevention at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University’s Colebank Gym was filled on March 16 as the Gabby Petito Foundation hosted an educational evening focused on recognizing the signs of domestic violence and understanding how to support victims. The event was coordinated through Fairmont State’s Title IX Office. 

“Education and awareness are key to being proactive in preventing intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault,” said Title IX Coordinator Jessica Kropog Furgason. “This event was especially important–we were able to bring in a family that has experienced losing a loved one to domestic violence and hear about that firsthand. The information shared during the event gave everyone the tools to identify and to assist situations where someone is experiencing abuse–something that is paramount for people of all ages to know.” 

The foundation honors the memory of Gabby Petito, a 22‑year‑old travel blogger who went missing in 2021 and was later found to have been murdered by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, during a violent incident on their cross‑country van trip. Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, and her stepmother, Tara Petito, told attendees that had they—and others around Gabby—recognized the warning signs of domestic violence earlier, her death might have been prevented. 

Throughout the program, Schmidt and Petito outlined early indicators of abusive behavior and revisited body camera footage from an incident in which a bystander called police after witnessing Laundrie physically assault Gabby. They highlighted several missteps made by responding officers—errors they believe contributed to the tragic outcome. Both emphasized the importance of educating law enforcement and community members on how to identify domestic violence and appropriately intervene to help protect victims. 

Even as Gabby’s family continues to grieve, they are committed to carrying her legacy forward by sharing her story in hopes that it will empower others in similar situations and ultimately save lives. 

“We say that if we can help one person by sharing Gabby’s story, we’re doing what we should be doing, and we are going to keep going because if we can help one person in this room by just sharing Gabby’s story, it’s all worth it,” said Petito. “Hearing people say how Gabby helped them makes us keep going and gives us hope.” 

To learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation, visit: gabbypetitofoundation.org.