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Media Guidelines for Homicide Family Survivors

NCJ Number
255204
Date Published
August 2020
Length
1 page
Annotation

These guidelines from the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center assist survivors of loved ones who were murdered in a mass violence incident (MVI) in decisions related to their media interviews.

Abstract

In portraying the loved one who was murdered, it is important to mention her/his features that were so personally important and beneficial. Meaningful photographic images or brief videos of the victim can magnify her/his life and the loss experienced by survivors. In the interview, survivors can also provide information to the media on others who might be interviewed who knew the victim in various important areas of her/his life. There are also suggestions for profiling younger homicide victims, such as their meaningful personality characteristics, interests, and school activities. Decisions about media coverage of wakes, funerals, or memorial events are also briefly discussed.