(NewsNation) — Florida lawmakers unanimously passed a domestic violence bill that includes language pushed for by the family of Gabby Petito.
The ‘Gabby Petito Act,’ named after 22-year-old who lost her life to domestic violence in 2021, aims to address crucial gaps in law enforcement response to such incidents.
According to the CDC, one in three women in the United States will experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime. The passage of the bills signals a significant step forward in addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence.
“A lot of times the victims are dismissed…Training for law enforcement on these types of instances is really important,” state Sen. Erin Grall, a co-sponsor of the bill, said on a Sunday interview on “NewsNation Prime.”
Grall emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and training to effectively handle cases of intimate partner violence.
Blogger Petito, who vanished while on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend in a converted camper van, was at the center of a nationwide investigation in 2021.
Petito’s boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, was a person of interest in the case. He refused to talk with authorities and disappeared Sept. 13, 2021. His body was found near the Carlton Reserve on Oct. 20, and identified the next day. Petito’s body was found at a camping area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming in September, days after a nationwide search was launched.
The legislation mandates a set of questions for law enforcement officers to ask potential victims of domestic abuse when responding to calls. This standardized approach seeks to ensure that victims receive consistent support and are made aware of the dangers they may be facing.
Reflecting on the tragic circumstances surrounding Petito’s death, Grall acknowledged the missed opportunities in her interactions with law enforcement.
The bill requires the collaboration of various state agencies and domestic violence organizations to identify and address gaps in victim support services.
Following its passage through the Florida Senate, the ‘Gabby Petito Act’ now awaits the governor’s signature to become state law. If signed, it would go into effect July 1, 2024.
Once enacted, the focus will shift to the thorough implementation of training programs for law enforcement officers, with a target completion date of October 1, 2026.
Grall underscored the need for coordination between law enforcement agencies and domestic violence centers to ensure victims are connected with vital resources and support services.
NewsNation affiliate WFLA’s Kevin Accettulla contributed to this report.
