It’s been reported that a staggering number of one out of three women in this country are the victims of domestic violence.
Out of fear, many cases go unreported.
To mark what would have been the birthday of a young Long Island girl who was murdered by her fiancé, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a gathering to highlight the problem of domestic violence.
He told them, “We are probably the strictest on domestic violence in the United States. Here in Nassau County, it’s a mandatory arrest if it’s a misdemeanor, so we take it very seriously.”
Surrounded by members of the Gabby Petito Foundation, the young woman’s grandmother, and members of the county government, Blakeman said it was important to bring the issue of domestic violence to the forefront.
He cited the abuse Gabby endured from her fiance, Brian Laundrie, while on a cross-country trip. She was left in the wilderness, where she was found dead. Laudrie later took his own life.
Petito’s grandmother, Mary Wickman, held back tears when she declared, ”She was such a bright light in our family.” She said it is time to attack the problem through awareness, education, and new laws.
“It’s unthinkable this is still happening. We need to stop asking ‘why didn’t she leave,’ and say ‘why didn’t he stop.’ My Gabby was everything to us,” she added.
In recognition of Gabby’s birthday and to create further awareness of the domestic violence issue, the building that houses Nassau County’s legislature will be bathed in purple lights tonight.
Purple symbolizes the battle against Domestic violence.
A fundraiser will be held at Miller’s Ale House in Levittown tomorrow. Twenty percent of sales will go to the Gabby Petito Foundation.
County leaders encourage women who are being abused to come forward. As Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly noted, there is no reason to remain silent.
“We have many ways to help women get out of situations they may feel they can’t or feel their hands are tied. So please don’t be afraid. Wonderful that we’re remembering Gabby’s birthday to remind us that there’s help out there,” Donnelly said.
Victims of domestic abuse are encouraged to reach out. Help is available. You can reach the Nassau County Domestic and Sexual Abuse hotline at 516-542-0404.
