On Sept. 1, Gabby Petito’s fiance returned from their trip without her. A few weeks later on Sept 21, the body of Petito was found in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and was officially ruled as a homicide through strangulation. The main suspect? Her fiance.

Police reports and several eye-witness accounts revealed Petito and her fiance Brian Laundrie  were involved in multiple domestic disturbances leading up to her death. Although ambiguity runs wild in this case, the police and the media speculate that Peti

to may have been a victim of an abusive relationship. 

After the death of  Petito, the entire country shifted attention to the problem of domestic violence and toxic relationships, and at South, students and staff draw attention to the issue, providing when it occurs, resources for those who might encounter it, and how to avoid it. 

“I think teens especially need to learn more about this topic so that now and later in life they can identify it and know what to do if they find themselves in a situation like this,” junior Celeste Sida said. 

In the past year, about 1 in fourteen teenage boys and 1 in eleven teenage girls reported physical violence in their relationship, according to the CDC.

There are many warning signs of an abusive relationship. Controlling a partner’s actions, insulting or demeaning a partner, pressuring a partner into something they do not want to do, and use of intimidation are just a few. 

“Oftentimes, abuse is not taken as seriously in relationships between young people. However, those relationships can be just as dangerous and lethal as abusive relationships with older adults,” said Program Support Specialist at Groundwork-Guardian Angel Community Services Amirrah Abou-Youssef. 

Not only can these signs be presented to the partner experiencing them, those outside the relationship may notice red flags. 

What can teenagers do to help a loved one who may be in an abusive relationship?

“Families and friends can help by just being present for their loved one. Abusers often isolate their victims to make them easier to control. Maintaining the relationship, even when it feels one-sided, is very important,” Abou-Youssef said. 

Founded in 1897, Guardian Angel Community Services originally served as an orphanage in Joliet. Now, it has seven programs, all of which are to help support others and improve their quality of life. One of their programs, The Groundwork Domestic Violence Program, provides free and confidential services to those that are victims of domestic violence as well as their children who may have been impacted. 

Students at Plainfield South can also find resources and trusted adults within the school community. 

“If students are in an abusive relationship or know of someone in an abusive relationship, they should always tell a trusted adult, so they can get the help they need,”  said counselor Jennifer Gawenda.

 “Informing someone at PSHS in Student Services [social worker, counselor, and dean] would be a great first step if no one is in immediate danger.”

Identifying the warning signs, giving resources, and shedding light on such a pertinent issue can help those experiencing domestic violence while also letting them know they are not alone. Help is available.