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Gabby Petito’s family to speak on domestic violence March 2

Family members of a young woman murdered by her fiancé during a 2021 cross-country road trip will speak about domestic violence on March 2 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Gabby Petito had been documenting the road trip across the U.S. on social media, and her disappearance drew national attention.

Her mother, Nichole Schmidt, and stepmother, Tara Petito, will speak in Schaible Auditorium on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks from 6-8 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. A will also be available. 

“Gabby’s Voice: Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence,” will be hosted by the UAF Department of Justice in partnership with the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Schmidt and Tara Petito will share their story and discuss the warning signs of domestic violence. Following Gabby Petito’s death, they began advocacy efforts focused on educating young people and families about red flags, prevention and speaking up before abuse escalates.

During their visit to Fairbanks, Schmidt and Petito will also participate in community events outside of UAF.

In advance of the March 2 program, the UAF Department of Justice will screen the first episode of the Netflix documentary “American Murder: Gabby Petito.” The three-part series examines the case and the events leading up to Petito’s death, offering insight into the warning signs and dynamics of intimate partner violence.

The screening will take place on Monday, Feb. 23, at 5 p.m. in the Hess Recreation Center.

Support resources will be available at both events.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Derik Stone, term clinical assistant professor of justice, UAF Department of Justice, dmstone@alaska.edu

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