Gabby Petito’s Family to Speak at A Safe Place Gala Amid Local Crisis in Funding Domestic Violence Services

The family of Gabby Petito, whose tragic death in 2021 brought global attention to the realities of intimate partner violence, will be in Lake County this October to support local survivors—and raise awareness about the urgent threats facing domestic violence programs right here at home.

Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, and stepmother, Tara Petito, will be the keynote speakers at A Safe Place’s Unmask the Violence Gala on October 18, a critical fundraising event for Lake County’s only organization exclusively dedicated to addressing domestic violence and human trafficking.

Their visit comes at a time of community crisis.

A Safe Place has lost nearly $2 million in federal funding, resulting in layoffs, program cuts, and reduced access to life-saving services for survivors across the region. According to the nonprofit, more than 300 adults and children will be turned away from shelter this year due to these cuts—forcing many to return to abusive situations.

“We are here because Gabby should still be here,” said Schmidt. “And because A Safe Place is the kind of organization that could save someone like her. This is where healing begins—and we won’t let it go unsupported.”

The loss of funding has already led to the elimination of life-changing programs provided by A Safe Place:

· The Bridges to Health initiative, which provided integrated physical and mental healthcare to nearly 5,000 survivors last year.
· The Homicide Response Initiative, which delivered trauma-informed care to 60 families annually and is now discontinued.

“These aren’t just numbers,” said Pat Davenport, CEO of A Safe Place. “They’re lives. We are literally being forced to choose who we can help—and who we cannot—because of budget shortfalls.”

The agency also warns that its Youth Services program, which reaches nearly 10,000 at-risk students each year, is at risk if the financial gap isn’t closed.

A Family’s Mission, A Community’s Responsibility

Gabby Petito’s name has become a national symbol of the hidden danger in seemingly normal relationships. Her death sparked conversations around gaslighting, coercive control, and the need for better education and intervention. In response, her family launched the Gabby Petito Foundation, which now supports organizations across the country that provide shelter, education, and resources to survivors of domestic violence.

“Everyone deserves a safe home and a life free from abuse,” Petito said. “When communities, domestic violence agencies, law enforcement, and community leaders stand together, it creates a powerful ripple effect giving survivors the support and resources they need.”

The Petito family’s presence is expected to draw a large audience to the gala, which will be held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The evening will feature survivor stories, a silent auction, and opportunities for attendees to directly support A Safe Place’s work.

What You Can Do

Tickets and sponsorships are available at https://asafeplaceforhelp.org.
· Make a donation: Contributions help restore access to shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling for families in crisis.
· Volunteer or advocate: A Safe Place encourages individuals to get involved year-round, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

“We’re losing programs, but we haven’t lost hope,” said Davenport. “With the community’s help—and the powerful voices of the Petito family behind us—we can fight to restore safety and dignity for everyone who needs a safe place to land.”

Need Help? Call the 24-hour hotline: 800-600-SAFE (7233). Learn more or donate: www.asafeplaceforhelp.org.