5 Major Ways The Gabby Petito Foundation Is Changing Domestic Violence Law And Missing Persons Cases (2025 Update)

The Gabby Petito Foundation, established in the wake of a national tragedy, continues its critical work in 2025, transforming grief into tangible action for victims of domestic violence and families of missing persons. Founded by Gabby's parents, the organization has quickly become a powerful force for legislative change and community education, with a core mission to turn their personal tragedy into a lasting, positive purpose.

As of December 2025, the foundation is focused on expanding its "Gabby Wings" initiative and leveraging the momentum of the recently enacted "Gabby Petito Act" in Florida, a landmark piece of legislation that mandates enhanced police response to domestic violence calls. This article provides a comprehensive look at the foundation's structure, its namesake's life, and the five most significant ways it is impacting law and advocacy today.

Gabrielle Venora Petito: A Biographical Profile

Gabrielle Venora Petito, known to the world as Gabby, was born on March 19, 1999. She tragically passed away on or around August 27, 2021, at the young age of 22. Gabby was a resident of North Port, Florida, and an aspiring social media influencer with a passion for travel.

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She was part of the growing "van life" movement, documenting her cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, when she went missing. Her disappearance in September 2021 sparked a massive national search and intense media coverage, bringing unprecedented attention to the plight of missing persons, particularly young women.

Gabby’s remains were found in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Her death was ruled a homicide by manual strangulation, and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, was later confirmed to be her killer, leaving behind a confession before taking his own life. Her story became a global symbol for those seeking answers about domestic violence and the systemic failures that can allow it to escalate.

The Gabby Petito Foundation was subsequently co-founded by her parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, along with her stepmother, Tara Petito, and stepfather. They committed to turning their grief into a platform for change, advocating for trauma-informed care and supporting organizations that assist families of missing persons and survivors of domestic violence.

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The Landmark "Gabby Petito Act" and Legislative Impact

One of the most significant and recent achievements of the foundation is the passing of the "Gabby Petito Act" in Florida. This law, based on Senate Bill 610 (SB 610) and House Bill 673 (HB 673), was passed in 2024 and went into effect on July 1.

The Act fundamentally changes how law enforcement officers in Florida must respond to domestic violence incidents. It mandates the use of a Lethality Assessment Form when officers respond to a domestic violence call.

This mandatory assessment requires officers to ask a series of specific, structured questions to gauge the immediate danger to the victim. The goal is to identify high-risk situations that might otherwise be overlooked, providing a crucial intervention point before violence escalates to a fatality. This legislative success is a direct result of the foundation's advocacy, ensuring that Gabby’s name is permanently tied to enhanced victim protection and police training.

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Five Pillars of the Foundation's Current Work (2025)

The Gabby Petito Foundation operates across multiple fronts, with its funding and initiatives focused on five key areas designed to maximize its impact on missing persons cases and domestic abuse prevention. The foundation aims to provide aid to organizations who assist victims and families, collaborating with partners to unlock a future free from violence.

1. Domestic Violence Prevention and Support Funding

The foundation is a major funder of domestic violence prevention and support organizations. According to a Giving Tuesday 2024 update, the foundation had already funded over $204,000 specifically for Domestic Violence Prevention & Support initiatives. These funds support education programs, awareness campaigns, and essential resources for survivors, directly addressing the core issue that led to Gabby’s death.

2. The "Gabby Wings" Prevention Education Initiative

A key program is "Gabby Wings," an initiative focused entirely on prevention. These programs are designed to educate communities, youth, and young adults about the signs of domestic abuse, healthy relationship dynamics, and how to safely exit a dangerous situation. By focusing on education, the foundation is working to stop the cycle of violence before it begins, using Gabby’s story as a powerful teaching tool.

3. Support for Missing Persons Organizations

The original mission of the foundation included addressing the needs of organizations who support locating missing persons. The foundation provides grants and aid to groups that assist families in the search process, offering support and resources during what is often the most confusing and desperate time of their lives. This ensures that the intense focus Gabby's case received can benefit other families facing similar crises.

4. Community Outreach and Awareness Events

Community engagement is vital to the foundation’s work. A major annual event is the Gabby Petito Foundation 5K Run & Walk. This event serves as an inspiring community gathering dedicated to honoring Gabby’s legacy, raising critical funds, and maintaining public awareness around the issues of domestic violence and missing persons. They also partner with organizations like A Safe Place and Looped Solutions to amplify their message and reach.

5. Innovation and Grant-Making for Future Solutions

The foundation is also looking toward the future of prevention through grant-making. Mentions of a Cornerstone Innovation Grant, as highlighted in a July 2025 update, suggest a commitment to funding new, strategic initiatives and technology aimed at improving safety measures and support systems. This focus on innovation ensures the foundation remains on the cutting edge of advocacy and resource provision.

The Ongoing Legacy of Advocacy and Hope

The Gabby Petito Foundation is more than just a memorial; it is a dynamic, active force for change in the legal and social landscape of the United States. While the family continues to navigate legal matters, such as the November 2024 dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Moab, their primary focus remains on the charitable mission.

Through the legislative success of the Gabby Petito Act and the continuous funding of prevention and support programs, the foundation embodies its founding principle: to turn a profound tragedy into a meaningful, enduring purpose. Every donation, every partnership, and every educational program is a step toward a future where fewer families have to endure the pain of a missing loved one or the devastation of domestic violence. The work of Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito ensures that Gabby’s adventurous spirit and life will forever be associated with hope and protection for others.