Sponsorships that include registration are also available and are encouraged for teams and community leaders who desire to support this important work in our region. Register for tickets and/or sponsorships below.
Registration and Sponsorship
Domestic Violence Summit: From Awareness to Action
SafeSpace, in collaboration with the Circuit 19 Domestic Violence Task Force, invites multidisciplinary professionals to the Domestic Violence Summit-From Awareness to Action -on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 8:30 AM-3:30 PM at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center in Port St. Lucie.
This first-of-its-kind regional training event is designed for law enforcement, prosecution, 911 and first responders, healthcare and mental health professionals, child welfare/DCF, advocates, educators, school partners, supervisors, and other community professionals.
Featured presenter Jim Schmidt, Board Member of the Gabby Petito Foundation, and stepfather of Gabby Petito, will lead practical sessions focused on lessons from the Gabby Petito case, trauma and victim behavior, high-risk indicators, documentation, evidence continuity, and coordinated response.
Registration is $125 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, conference materials and practical resources, networking and engagement opportunities, critical skill-building, and a certificate of participation. CEUs are being applied for across multidisciplinary professions; availability and eligible disciplines will be confirmed. Registration is required and space is limited.
Sponsorships that include registration are also available and are encouraged for teams and community leaders who desire to support this important work in our region.
Agenda
8:30-9:00 AM
Registration, Continental Breakfast, Resource Tables, and Networking
9:00-9:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Frame
9:15-10:30 AM
Opening Keynote - Beyond the Headlines: Lessons Every Professional Can Learn from the Gabby Petito Case
Presented by - Jim Schmidt
10:30-10:45 AM
Refreshment Break
10:45-11:45 AM
Plenary - Seeing What Trauma Hides: Understanding Victim Behavior and Improving Our Response
Presented by - Jim Schmidt
11:45 AM-12:30 PM
Lunch, Sponsor Recognition, Resource Tables, and Networking
12:30-1:30 PM
Track 1
From Contact to Courtroom: Recognizing Risk, Documenting Evidence, and Improving Outcomes
Audience:
Law enforcement, prosecution, 911, fire/EMS, and first responders
Presented by - Jim Schmidt
Track 2
Healthcare and Mental Health Session
Audience:
Healthcare and mental health professionals
Track 3
Advocacy and Child Welfare Session
Audience:
Advocates, child welfare/DCF, and related community professionals
1:30-1:45 PM
Refreshment Break and Transition
1:45-2:45 PM
Closing Plenary - Survivor Impact Story and Every Link Matters: Building a Coordinated Response That Saves Lives
Presented by - Jim Schmidt
2:45-3:20 PM
Regional Action Commitments
3:20-3:30 PM
Closing Remarks, Evaluation, CEU Instructions, and Door Prizes
