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CHANGE THE STORY: GABBY’S UNTOLD STORYWednesday, October 28, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Woodward Opera House
107 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
Behind the smiles, adventures, and seemingly loving relationship shared on social media, there was more to Gabby Petito’s story. Looking back, Gabby’s family recognized warning signs they did not understand at the time. That is why they keep talking about them now.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, New Directions invites our community to come together to listen, learn, honor, and help Change the Story.
Join us for a powerful evening featuring Gabby Petito’s mom and bonus mom, who turned unimaginable loss into advocacy and action. They will share Gabby’s Untold Story and speak firsthand about their journey, warning signs they may have missed, what they have learned since Gabby’s death, and how those lessons are fueling their work to prevent domestic violence and support survivors.
Their voices will then join a local community panel exploring how domestic violence impacts individuals and families right here in our community, what we have learned, and the role each of us can play in recognizing warning signs, supporting survivors, and preventing violence.
The evening will conclude by centering the voice of a local survivor, who will share how the support of our community became part of her healing journey.
Together, we will remember those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, honor survivors near and far, and acknowledge those who may still be experiencing violence today.
Every story matters. Every voice can create change. And every one of us can help shape what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who should attend?
Community members, survivors, family members, educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, social service professionals, students, advocates, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning more about domestic violence prevention and survivor support are welcome.
You do not need to have a personal connection to domestic violence to attend.
Will Gabby Petito’s family be speaking?
Yes. Gabby’s mom and bonus mom will share Gabby’s Untold Story, their experiences and lessons learned, and how they have transformed their loss into advocacy through the Gabby Petito Foundation.
What should I expect during the event?
The program will include Gabby’s Untold Story, a moderated local community panel, education about domestic violence and prevention, a local survivor’s story, and an opportunity to honor survivors and remember those whose lives have been taken by domestic violence.
The evening will ultimately challenge all of us to consider:
What will you do to help write what comes next?
Will the event discuss sensitive topics?
Yes. Conversations will include domestic violence, intimate partner violence, abuse, missing persons, loss, and survivor experiences. Some content may be difficult or emotional for attendees.
Guests are encouraged to care for themselves in whatever way they need throughout the event. Attendees may step out at any time, and New Directions advocates will be available for support.
Will survivors be expected to identify themselves or share their experiences?
No. No attendee will ever be asked to identify themselves as a survivor, disclose a personal experience, or explain why they are attending.
Survivor stories belong to survivors. New Directions believes every person has the right to decide whether, when, where, and how their story is shared.
Can I attend if I am currently experiencing domestic violence?
Yes. Everyone is welcome, including individuals currently experiencing violence, people who are unsure about their relationship, survivors at any point in their journey, and people supporting someone they care about.
You never have to disclose your experience to participate.
Will support be available during the event?
Yes. New Directions advocates will be available to provide confidential support, resources, and information. Attendees may also speak privately with an advocate if they would like additional support.
Is this event appropriate for children or teens?
Because the program will include discussions of domestic violence, abuse, loss, and lived experiences, parents and caregivers are encouraged to consider the content when deciding whether the event is appropriate for their child or teen.
Will photography or media be present?
Yes, this event will be photographed and media will be present. Photographs may be used by New Directions for educational, promotional, social media, and community-awareness purposes.
If you have safety, privacy, or confidentiality concerns and do not wish to be photographed, please notify a New Directions staff member at check-in. We will provide a visible way to communicate your preference to event staff and photographers.
Is the Woodward Opera House accessible?
The Handicap accessible entrance to the Woodward Complex is located at the 107 S. Main Street Entrance of the building. Patrons can use the passenger elevator to gain entrance to floors 2 through 4 from the First Floor Prominade as well as the basement.
The Main Entrance to the Opera House (located on the third floor) has a wheelchair lift for patrons that require it. There is also a wheelchair lift and ramps for stage hands and performers located on the third floor.
What is the message behind “Change the Story”?
New Directions’ 2026 Domestic Violence Awareness Month theme is Change the Story: A New Chapter Starts Now.
For survivors, changing the story means violence does not get to determine how their story ends. For prevention, it means teaching and modeling consent, boundaries, respect, communication, and healthy relationships before violence begins. For our community, it means recognizing that each of us can play a role in creating something different.
What can I do after the event?
Changing the story does not require being a professional advocate.
Check in on someone. Listen without judgment. Believe survivors. Respect boundaries. Talk with young people about healthy relationships. Learn the warning signs. Share resources. Challenge harmful behavior. Volunteer. Speak up. Be someone others know they can safely turn to.
The next chapter is ours to write.
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Event venue
The Woodward Opera House, 103 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050-3323, United States
Tickets
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