Gabby Petito's Family Highlight Domestic Violence On Valentine's

LONG ISLAND, NY — The loved ones of slain Long Islander Gabby Petito are continuing their advocacy work on Valentine's Day by highlighting domestic violence to spread awareness about bad relationships.

"Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love," wrote her parents, who formed the Gabby Petito Foundation to help the families of the missing and survivors of domestic violence after her murder, in a post on the non-profit's Facebook on Monday.

The family then wished followers a happy Valentine's Day from the foundation.

The foundation has been highlighting domestic violence this month as part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month to draw attention to unhealthy relationships among teenagers.

To raise more awareness, the foundation has commissioned black hoodie sweatshirts with the phrase "Love doesn't hurt, break the cycle" featuring a heart with two clasped hands underneath.

Petito's father, Joseph Petito, tweeted out a promo for the sweatshirts on Monday, wishing followers a happy valentine's day, but also leaving this equally inspirational message.

"We all deserve to feel loved, and you are," he wrote. "Thank you to everyone for all the compassion you’ve shown our family. You’re all amazing. #togetherwecan #breakthecycle."

Petito, a 23-year-old Blue Point native, disappeared in August on a cross-country trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, who returned to his parents' home in Florida in her van, but without her. After a frantic interstate search, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, Petito was found strangled to death near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on Sept. 19 — eight days after she was reported missing by her mother.

She was confirmed dead on Sept. 21.

Laundrie, who had refused to speak with police after Petito was reported missing, drove to a Florida preserve where investigators believe he shot himself in the head. His remains were found about one month later.

A Medical Examiner's report of Laundrie's full autopsy details released on Monday said that items found with his remains at the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County included a "handwritten half note," as well as a red hat with a Moab Coffee Roasters logo, a journal, and a wooden box with a small notebook and photos, including some of Laundrie.

A European American Armory Windicator snub-nose revolver with two live rounds, and one spent round was also found at the scene, documents show.

Related Stories:

• Brian Laundrie's Autopsy Released By Medical Examiner's Office
• 'No Doubt' Brian Laundrie Killed Gabby Petito: Family Attorney
• Brian Laundrie Confessed To Killing Petito In Notebook: FBI
• 'Unintentional Mistakes' By PD In Gabby Petito Utah Fight: Report
• Laundries To Give Gabby Petito's Belongings To Family: Attorney
• Gabby Petito's Family's Poignant Messages Of Hope On Christmas
• NBC's Peacock TV Streams Documentary On Gabby Petito Case Friday
• Gabby Petito Foundation Plans Scholarships On Long Island
• Be Inspired': Gabby Petito's Dad At Long Island Memorial Service
• 'Not Just Gabby Petito' Case Deserves Media Attention: Dad
• Suffolk Detective Who Opened Gabby Petito's Case An 'Angel': Mom

Tiffany Razzano contributed additional reporting to this story.