Join us in Vacaville at Downtown Journey as we bring our community together to help young people build healthy relationships. The evening combines powerful stories with practical education so parents, educators, and community members leave knowing how to recognize warning signs, start important conversations, and help prevent dating violence before it begins.

The evening will start with a reception with refreshments and then a viewing on the story of Gabby Petito who was a 22-year-old travel blogger who was strangled to death by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, during a cross-country van trip in the summer of 2021. Her tragic story sparked a massive nationwide manhunt, intense true-crime media coverage, a Netflix documentary, and widespread public debate on domestic violence.

Our special guest panel will include:

Nichole Schmidt & Tara Petito - Nichole & Tara will share Gabby's story discuss how families, educators, & communities can recognize the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, encourage open conversations, & help prevent future tragedies.

Joseph Hunter - After losing his sister Joanna to domestic violence, Joseph has dedicated himself to raising awareness and encouraging communities to recognize the signs of abuse before it's too late. His message reminds us that every person has the ability to make a difference

Cliantha Miller Finn - Clia will share the story of her daughter Emily, whose life was tragically taken last year in a dating violence incident after experiencing online abuse. Through her family's experience, she hopes to help parents and young people better understand warning signs, the impact of digital relationships, and the importance of early intervention.

Sonia McClellin- Founder and President of The Empowerment Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing intimate partner abuse through education and awareness. After losing her sister Debbie to intimate partner abuse, Sonia turned her grief into purpose, championing AB 643, the California law requiring dating violence education in public schools. Through youth workshops, professional training’s, and community outreach, Sonia’s mission is to break the cycle of abuse and empower others to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late.

Break The Silence. An Evening of Hope, Awareness, & Prevention

Every Story Has The Power To Change A Life