SafeSpace’s Domestic Violence Summit brought regional professionals together in October at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center to strengthen how communities recognize domestic violence, respond to survivors and coordinate support.
Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, “From Awareness to Action: Safety. Solidarity. Solutions.” was hosted by SafeSpace in collaboration with the Circuit 19 Domestic Violence Task Force and the Gabby Petito Foundation. The Summit grew from feedback shared by survivors and professionals about gaps in recognizing abuse, understanding trauma, documenting concerns and connecting people with appropriate help.
Featured presenter Jim Schmidt, a Gabby Petito Foundation board member, Gabby Petito’s stepfather and a former first responder, led sessions on lessons from the Gabby Petito case, recognizing serious risk and understanding how trauma can affect survivor behavior.
Two concurrent learning tracks offered guidance specific to participants’ roles. Schmidt led a track for first responders and prosecutors focused on risk recognition, evidence and documentation. SafeSpace Chief Program Officer Melanie Afanador led a second track for professionals in healthcare, education, and social services, focused on identifying abuse and strengthening referral pathways.
Survivor and advocate Jennie Carter joined Schmidt for the closing session, “Every Link Matters: Building a Coordinated Response That Saves Lives.” Carter offered a survivor’s perspective on how professional decisions and coordinated support affect people experiencing abuse. One participant shared, “This Summit validated my experience as a domestic violence survivor.”
The Circuit 19 Domestic Violence Task Force is preparing for a January 2027 relaunch to strengthen a coordinated community response across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. Professionals, organizations and community members interested in participating, sharing resources or requesting training can contact [email protected].
SafeSpace thanks the sponsors who made the Summit possible: Presenting Sponsor Wong Family Foundation; Impact Sponsors Gabby Petito Foundation and Coral Shores Behavioral Health; Community Partner Sponsors Inspired Closets, Jan and Jessica Malasek, and Tykes & Teens; and Supporting Sponsors House of Hope, iTHINK Financial, John Schmahl, and Thompson’s Remodeling & Home Repair.
Community members can help support survivors and their children by sharing SafeSpace’s resources and donating to sustain its services. To learn more or make a donation, visit SafeSpaceFL.org.
