This Case Hits Hard, Because So Many Of Us Could Have Ended Up Like Gabby Petito

“Do you know why the Gabby Petito case hits so hard?

Because most girls have felt unsafe with someone they thought they could trust.

Because most girls have found themselves in a sketchy situation before they even realized it.

Because most girls can look back and think about a time…or two…or MORE when they, themselves, could’ve easily fallen victim to a narcissist who’s a ticking time bomb.

I don’t know the whole story.

But I am willing to bet that some watched the domestic dispute footage and thought ‘that looks familiar’ or ‘that could have been me’ or at least know someone who’s been there.

‘That could have been what happened to my friend, my cousin, my sister….’

There are girls like Gabby everyday, who stay, whether by limited choice or by force.

‘But he would never.’

No, he would.

As we mourn for her life and pray for her loved ones, please let this be a reminder that you don’t have to stay.

In fact, you NEED to get out if you feel unsafe.

It will not get better.

Did you know that women are more likely to die at the hands of their partner than by anyone?

Did you know that 4,000 die each year in the U.S. alone by their boyfriend, fiancé, or husband?

It’s a hugely unexposed and neglected problem.

When I talk to other women, I’ve found that most of us have an experience that could have too easily ended in a similar situation.

That’s why this case struck a chord around the world, as we hoped and prayed we were wrong in our assumptions.

Love and prayers going out to her family.

The only way I know to honor her is to share her story.

And by sending all the love and courage to leave to those who are sitting right smack dab in the messy middle of this kind of relationship.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Whitney of Trains and Tantrums. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more from Whitney:

‘If we send our kids to school, we’re ‘selfish.’ If we keep them home, we’re ‘living in fear.’ We’re offered strong opinions from others not even in our position.’: Mom urges ‘there is no right decision’

‘You know what I love? Friends who don’t make this friend thing complicated.’: Woman ‘thankful’ for friends who ‘don’t set unrealistic expectations’ of her

‘I’m tired or vibrant. I’m drinking water or in the drive-thru with a Coke. I wake with the sun and get everything done or I’m coasting till bedtime.’: Woman admits ‘I often wake up wondering which side of the line I’ll fall on today’

‘At some point, the laughter stops. Then comes the heartaches, the lows. Find someone who will see your ugly, and sit in the silence with you.’: Woman shares ‘ultimate relationship test’

Do you know someone who could benefit from this? SHARE this story on Facebook with family and friends.