On Wednesday, Florida lawmakers unanimously approved a domestic violence bill that incorporates specific provisions advocated for by Gabby Petito’s family. Gabby’s father, Joe Petito, played a role in advocating for certain language included in the bill.
“We are thrilled to see the child welfare and lethality assessment bill 1224 pass in the state of Florida,” Petito stated in a statement. “It’s a significant milestone in the fight against domestic violence and a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. This achievement brings hope and protection to survivors, ensuring their safety and well-being.”
Sen. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) initiated the bill, and Sen. Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce) co-sponsored it.
Senate Bill 1224 would mandate that law enforcement receive training on how to use a battery of 12 questions to determine whether a victim of domestic abuse is more likely to die or suffer serious injuries.
- Has the perpetrator ever threatened you with a weapon or used one against you?
- Has the perpetrator ever threatened to murder you or your kids?
- Do you think the attacker will make an attempt to murder you?
- Have you ever been choked or been attempted to be choked by the aggressor?
- Is the aggressor armed, or is it easily attainable for them to get one?
- Does the aggressor dominate most of your everyday activities, or is the aggressor aggressively or continuously jealous?
- After you were married or cohabitated, did you part ways with the aggressor?
- Does the aggressor have a job?
- Has the aggressor ever made an attempt at suicide, as far as you know?
- Does the attacker think that the child you have is not their biological child?
- Has the harasser ever threatened you, followed you, or spied on you?
- Do you have any other concerns regarding your safety? If yes, what are they?
If the victim replies “yes” to any of the first four questions, or “no” to the first four but “yes” to at least four of questions five through eleven, law enforcement must refer the victim to the closest accredited domestic violence shelter.
The victim must be sent to a domestic violence shelter by the law enforcement officer and their answers to the questions must be noted in the police report if the victim is unable or unwilling to answer. It is forbidden for officers to reveal the shelter in the report.
By October 1, 2026, all prerequisites for the Lethality Assessment Training must be completed.
The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence created the Lethality Assessment Program in 2003. At the moment, 32 states use the program.
On September 19, 2021, Gabby Petito was discovered dead in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Forest. Enduring until late October 2021, Brian Laundrie committed suicide.
The Laundries and their lawyer Steven Bertolino were sued by Petito’s family for purposeful infliction of emotional distress. They asserted that the Laundries knew about Petito’s murder shortly after her death in August 2021 and that they did nothing but use Bertolino to release a statement expressing hope for her recovery.
In order to avoid a civil trial, the parties came to a private settlement in February.
Governor Ron DeSantis will now get the law on his desk. It would become operative on July 1, 2024, if signed.
