#USA #Dallas #Gabby Petito Foundation #Nichole Schmidt #Tara Petito

Keynote Speakers at the Conference on Crimes Against Women

In a powerful announcement today, the Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) revealed that Nichole Schmidt, the President of the Gabby Petito Foundation, and Tara Petito, its Treasurer, will serve as keynote speakers for the 20th annual conference scheduled for May 19-22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Their participation is particularly meaningful as the foundation was established to honor their daughter, Gabby Petito, who tragically lost her life due to domestic violence.

A Personal Connection to the Cause

Nichole Schmidt, Gabby's mother, and Tara Petito, her stepmother, are committed to raising awareness about domestic violence and the challenges surrounding missing persons. Gabby's story gained national attention and has been the subject of a poignant Netflix documentary titled "American Murder: The Gabby Petito Story," which premiered just days before the release of the conference news. This work has sparked conversations about the broader issues of violence against women, making their involvement in CCAW not just relevant but essential.

Understanding the Crisis

Statistics are alarming: one in four women in the U.S. aged 18 and older experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Research from the NIH reveals that among homicide victims, intimate partners are responsible for nearly 50% of female and 10% of male deaths. The upcoming conference will shine a light on various critical issues, including ongoing cases of missing and murdered women, particularly those that have received insufficient media attention due to racial disparities.

Jan Langbein, the Chief Executive Officer of CCAW and Genesis Women's Shelter Support, acknowledged the immense strength of Schmidt and Petito. "Our mission is challenging, but we must maintain hope in the fight to support those who are most vulnerable," she said. Their presence at the event symbolizes resilience and advocacy for those affected by similar tragedies.

Gabby Petito Foundation's Mission

The Gabby Petito Foundation aims to educate the public about domestic violence prevention and provide resources for searching missing persons. After Gabby's disappearance during a cross-country road trip, the world witnessed the devastating impact of domestic violence. Now, the foundation aims to transform that heartbreak into actionable change. Schmidt emphasized, "Losing Gabby was profoundly devastating for our family, and we strive to ensure that no other family endures this pain. Ensuring proper training for first responders and advocating for stricter laws are critical steps in our mission."

The Conference Agenda

Moderated by Tom Tremblay, a retired police chief and advocate against domestic violence, the keynote session promises to stir significant discussions. Sessions will feature a range of topics such as:

• - A special pre-conference discussion with Nichole and Jim Schmidt
• - Determining predominant aggressors in domestic situations with retired law enforcement expert Jim Schmidt
• - An intimate talk with the Gabby Petito Foundation leadership team and family members
• - Addressing critical topics such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)
• - Healing pathways for Indigenous people led by experts from the Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition

With over 30,000 attendees from across the globe over the last 19 years, CCAW's annual conference stands as the largest of its kind dedicated to addressing and educating on the issues surrounding crimes against women. By gathering advocates and experts, the conference aims to reshape the narrative around domestic violence, fostering an environment of support and informed action.

Conclusion

The upcoming CCAW conference is a crucial platform for highlighting the pervasive issue of violence against women. Both Schmidt and Petito's presence serves as a reminder that personal stories fuel broader advocacy for change. As we approach the event, the imperative to amplify voices like theirs remains more critical than ever. To learn more or register for the event, please visit www.conferencecaw.org.