Resources for Families of Homicide Victims
As discussed in earlier modules, families of homicide victims have access to a number of resources, including compensation funds, reconciliation mediation, and therapy. Larger communities might have support groups and more services to help families through these times. These types of resources might not be available in smaller communities where crime, and especially violent crime, is not common because these resources might not be needed as often.
In addition to dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, the fear of victimization increases, and all of the issues previously discussed can occur with fear of crime, such as changes in behaviors and becoming fearful of others. Children, especially, might need additional help to deal with grief and life changes that come from homicide. Children might not understand where the victim has gone and might think the victim will eventually return. People who witness a homicide might have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other mental health issues, which can be difficult for adults to deal with, let alone children. If the victim was the primary parent of the child, the child would also have to deal with a new living situation, which might include foster care or a group home while a more permanent living situation is arranged. If the victim was the primary income earner in the family, the family must also find new sources of income to pay for expenses including medical bills as well as try to ensure stability during their mourning.
Homicide is a tragic crime that not only impacts the victims but entire communities. It can undermine feelings of security in the community and make people fearful and feel vulnerable in a place where they should be secure.