In response to the tragic death of Gabby Petito in 2021, two Florida state legislators have introduced a bill aimed at enhancing domestic violence prevention in the state. Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book and Rep. Robin Bartleman filed the “Gabby Petito Act” after being approached by Gabby’s father, Joseph Petito. The proposed legislation would require all law enforcement officers in Florida to undergo a lethality assessment when investigating domestic violence incidents.
The bill draws inspiration from successful implementations of lethality assessments in other parts of the country. According to Book, areas where these assessments are employed have seen a significant reduction in lethal situations, with Maryland, in particular, experiencing a 35 to 45 percent decrease. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that law enforcement officers throughout the state consistently use these assessments.
The Spring of Tampa Bay, a non-profit organization that supports domestic violence survivors, collaborated with the legislators and Gabby’s father in drafting the bill. The president and CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay, Mindy Murphy, emphasized the importance of the legislation in establishing a comprehensive record of abuse beyond the initial call. Murphy explained that the assessment questions are designed to identify the risk of potential partner-related homicide.
Gabby Petito’s disappearance during a cross-country trip with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, garnered significant media attention. The couple was pulled over in Moab, Utah, during their journey, prompting a domestic violence investigation. However, they were allowed to proceed with their trip. Murphy highlighted missed opportunities by the Moab police in recognizing the signs of abuse during their interaction with Gabby. She emphasized that law enforcement should have intervened when Gabby mentioned Brian’s physical actions towards her.
Joseph Petito, Gabby’s father, stressed that domestic violence should be viewed as a people issue rather than a political one. He expressed his desire to see similar legislation enacted at the national level. Joseph hopes that the proposed act will help prevent future tragedies and honor Gabby’s memory.
The “Gabby Petito Act” has the potential to make a significant impact on domestic violence prevention efforts in Florida. By mandating lethality assessments for all law enforcement officers, the proposed legislation aims to reduce the incidence of lethal situations and provide survivors with the necessary support and protection. The bill’s sponsors, along with domestic violence organizations like The Spring of Tampa Bay, are working tirelessly to advocate for its passage.
