NCJ Number
150984
Date Published
Unknown
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Directed to family and friends of homicide victims, this booklet discusses the common feelings of grief and offers practical guidelines for coping with the reactions of others, the holidays, and the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Families and friends of homicide victims will need time, determine, and, often, the support of a caring listener to manage their grief. The most common feelings of grief include shock, turmoil, a need to understand why the tragedy happened, guilt, anger, and a desire for revenge. How people choose to grieve is determined by their personal view of death, how society views death, and their individual personalities. Some families pull together after a homicide, while others separate both physically and emotionally. Communication is important during this time. Friends sometimes avoid the family members, who can choose to stop seeing them, raise the issue directly, or add to their circle of friends other people who have lost loved ones or who are willing to share the experience. Holidays can be particularly difficult; developing new traditions can be helpful. The criminal justice system often seems to prolong people's grief; family members should seek out supportive friends, counselors, or advocates during the criminal justice process. Although a homicide changes many lives, most survivors slowly heal.