Gabby Petito case brings domestic abuse awareness

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- 22-year-old Gabby Petito was missing for weeks before her body was found. Her boyfriend, 23-year-old Brian Laundrie is now a suspect in the case. 

Authorities now think that Petito was domestically abused by Laundrie. 

“Even if you feel like in your gut there’s something going on, don’t be shocked if they say that there isn’t. Even if all the evidence would prove contrary to that,” said Torri Henninger, Executive Director of the Barren River Area Safe Space. 

Henninger says Gabby Petito’s death is a tragedy. She said it’s also bringing awareness to domestic abuse, something Petito endured as well as an estimated 10 million people a year. 

“I feel like for years, I stayed silent.” 

Connie Kingrey-Knapp, is a survivor of domestic abuse. She suffered for decades before leaving her marriage 24 years ago. Now, she’s an advocate for others. 

“I decided I wanted to be a voice for someone who cannot speak. Whether they be deceased or someone still walking around and they don’t know what to do. I want them to know there is light at the end of that tunnel,” said Kingrey-Knapp. 

They say it’s important to know the signs of domestic abuse. 

“More often than not, victims do not appear the way you would imagine a victim should. One of the things they talk about in the media is how hysterical she [Petito] is and how calm he was. That’s not abnormal at all. Once a person gets to a breaking point you become hysterical. Domestic violence is such an incredibly broad idea. It’s no longer just the physical abuse a person endures from their partner. it is psychological abuse, it’s verbal, it’s emotional,” said Henninger. 

And also realize that it’s hard for victims to come forward. 

“You don’t feel there’s anywhere to go. You also feel embarrassed. Humiliated. Because that’s what society tells you. Society will say why didn’t you leave in the first place,” said Kingrey-Knapp. 

Kingrey-Knapp hopes Gabby’s story and her story encourages others to make a change in their lives. 

“We’ll always have victims and we’ll always have abusers. But if one person hears what I have to say, then I’ve done my job,” said Kingrey-Knapp.