Waltham High students hear powerful message on relationship abuse from Gabby Petito’s parents

Waltham High School students heard firsthand how relationship violence destroys families during a visit from the parents of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old vlogger allegedly killed by her fiance.

Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito cautioned students to watch for signs of domestic violence, telling them that efforts to isolate a person from loved ones and attempts to excessively control a person are among the first signs of abuse.

They encouraged students in abusive situations to reach out to trusted adults, police and local services such as REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. Schmidt highlighted the importance of sharing locations with trusted friends, establishing code words and downloading safety apps such as Life360. 

Students said the Feb. 8 presentation brought more awareness of the problem to the school community. “It can help make people more comfortable with an uncomfortable topic,” said one senior. 

Another student called Schmidt and Petito’s story “moving.” “I hope we can all take lessons away from it,” the student said. 

Gabby Petito went missing in August 2021 while traveling across the country with her fiance, Brian Laundrie. The search for Petito drew national attention. Her remains were found in Wyoming in September 2021. Laundrie, believed to be the last person to see Petito alive, had refused to discuss Petito’s whereabouts, according to news reports. Laundrie disappeared from his Florida home on Sept. 13, 2021, and his remains were found about a month later. Authorities determined that Laundrie committed suicide. They alleged that Laundrie killed Petito, who died of blunt-force trauma and strangulation. 

The case garnered extensive media coverage at the time and was detailed in a Netflix documentary, “American Murder: Gabby Petito.”

Gabby’s parents established the Gabby Petito Foundation in her memory. They now visit schools and first responder headquarters to promote awareness and prevention strategies. 

They visited Waltham High School at the invitation of a WHS club called Peers Against Violence Educators. 

PAVE is dedicated to educating WHS students about abusive relationships and advocating for people in dangerous situations. 

Nearly one in five teens experience dating violence and 65% report psychological abuse, according to the American Psychological Association.