Gabby Petito’s family brings domestic violence awareness to Long Island schools, supports grieving parents of Emily Finn
The two families say they plan to work together and share their stories in hopes of preventing more lives from being lost to domestic violence.
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Gabby Petito’s family is visiting Long Island schools to teach young people how to recognize the warning signs of abusive relationships — and to let them know they are not alone.
Petito’s mother, grandmother and stepmother met with students at Kings Park High School during an event organized by the Gabby Petito Foundation, which works to raise awareness about domestic violence. For the family, starting this work close to home is essential.
“We need to spread the awareness all over the country, but Gabby was from Long Island and we need to start here,” said her grandmother, Mary Wickman.
The foundation’s school visits focus on education, prevention and support. Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, told students that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
“We need to make kids understand they’re not alone,” she said. “There are resources out there.”
Petito’s stepmother, Tara Petito, emphasized shifting blame away from victims. “It’s about keeping them safe,” she said. “It’s about putting the shame back on the abuser, not the one that is being abused.”
Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old from Blue Point, vanished in 2021 while on a cross-country trip. Her fiancé later confessed to killing her before taking his own life, a tragedy that sparked national conversations about intimate partner violence.
Now, Gabby’s family is extending its support to another grieving Long Island family. On Thursday, they met with the parents of 18-year-old Emily Finn, of West Sayville, who police say was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend the day before Thanksgiving.
“Emily and Gabby had ties together through dance, through American ballet,” said Emily’s mother, Cliantha Miller-Finn. “It’s too close to home. It shouldn’t be this way for these young women. We shouldn’t be here now.”
The two families say they plan to work together and share their stories in hopes of preventing more lives from being lost to domestic violence.
“I just want them to know I’m here for them,” Schmidt said. “The foundation is here for them and the community is here for them.”
