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Gabby Petito Foundation to host ‘Break the Silence’ domestic violence awareness event in Nashville
By Alexandria Adams at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Gabby Petito Foundation is bringing its mission to Nashville this weekend, aiming to raise awareness about domestic violence and missing people.Petito’s family, along with the Joseph Family Foundation, will host an event called “Break the Silence” to highlight warnin...
Key takeaway Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, president of the Gabby Petito Foundation, said the gathering is intended to build connections in Nashville.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The "Break the Silence" event hosted by the Gabby Petito Foundation in Nashville this weekend brings a critical conversation to the city's doorstep. As Nashville grapples with its own domestic violence issues, including nine murders in 2024, the event's focus on warning signs of abuse and community support for survivors and families is particularly timely. The participation of local survivors, advocates, and families will help build connections and foster a sense of responsibility among community members to look out for one another. By displaying Gabby Petito's artwork and personal items, the event also humanizes the issue, reminding attendees that domestic violence affects real people and families. The Metro Office of Family Safety's statistics on the increased risk of deadly violence when offenders own a gun underscore the need for continued awareness and education, making this event a crucial step in Nashville's efforts to address domestic violence.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Gabby Petito Foundation is bringing its mission to Nashville this weekend, aiming to raise awareness about domestic violence and missing people.Petito’s family, along with the Joseph Family Foundation, will host an event called “Break the Silence” to highlight warnin...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexandria Adams at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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