Common Ground: The Development of a Support Group for Survivors of Homicide Loss in a Rural Community

Blakley, Theresa; Mehr, Nita

doi:10.1080/01609510801980971

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The groups are focused on educating family homicide survivors about the CJS, the impact of violent crime on mourning, and ways of coping with the tragedy (Lexius, Lyon, & Moore, 1992). Psychoeducation groups also teach survivors about the importance of self-care while they are mourning their loss (Blakley & Mehr, 2008). In addition to education, homicide survivors are encouraged to share with group members how their loss has affected them, what support systems they have, and what their needs and future goals are (Lexius et al, 1992).…”

Section: Theme #3: Treatment Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition to education, homicide survivors are encouraged to share with group members how their loss has affected them, what support systems they have, and what their needs and future goals are (Lexius et al, 1992). Support workers believe that this sharing of personal narratives helps survivors move forward with their lives (Blakley & Mehr, 2008). Discussing the homicide with others who have endured a similar tragedy allows survivors to communicate their experiences to persons who can appreciate the significance of their loss (Levy & Wall, 1996).…”

Section: Theme #3: Treatment Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Self-help support groups provide continued informal support and education as well as opportunities for engaging in advocacy work that may focus on creating changes in legislation (Lexius et al, 1992). Survivors are also encouraged to advocate for themselves and their families in the CJS (Blakley & Mehr, 2008). Self-help groups, being informal and member managed, may continue for indefinite periods of time.…”

Section: Theme #3: Treatment Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Co-victims of Homicide

Connolly

Gordon

2014

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

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This systematic literature review examines the effects of homicide on surviving family members, the "co-victims" or "survivors" of homicide. A content analysis was conducted on 40 articles identified through a search of the literature. The research samples were predominately located in the United States, but included two U.K. samples, one Jamaican sample, and one sample from Israel. All articles were written in English. Three themes were identified. Nineteen articles explored the psychological, academic, social, occupational, and familial effects of homicide. Thirteen articles considered survivors' grieving process and how it was altered by experiences with the criminal justice system as well as coping strategies used by survivors to deal with their grief. Eight articles explored treatment interventions available to help surviving family members deal with their grief. Key findings from the articles, limitations of the current research, and implications for future research, policy, and practice are included.

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Section: Theme #3: Treatment Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theme #3: Treatment Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theme #3: Treatment Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Co-victims of Homicide

Connolly

Gordon

2014

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

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“…Services for crime victims are needed in particular for groups that continue to be overrepresented in homicide statistics, including people of color or respondents who may live in areas that lack services for crime victims. For example, rural populations of survivors of homicide may not have access to victims’ services, and outreach to these groups should be considered (Blakley & Mehr, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Responding to Homicide

2016

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After a homicide, family members of the victim must cope with their loss and find ways to continue on with their lives. Research suggests that as “secondary victims,” this group may experience grief and cope in ways unique from other victims. Using focus group data, this article examines the impact of homicide on surviving family members. Our findings highlight the divergent ways in which individuals respond to homicide as well as the varying coping strategies families implement. Practical applications of these findings are discussed.

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“…In fact, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has been instrumental in promoting programmes offering evidence‐based practices to children and families who have experienced violence (Pynoos et al ). In the case of homicide, several interventions have been developed to reduce the traumatic stress, complex grief, rage and fear experienced by many homicide survivors (Blakley & Mehr ; Miller ; Tuck et al ). Yet, besides mental‐health needs, the very nature of homicide leads to relatives of the deceased and often others, interacting with persons from law enforcement (who may be investigating them as suspects), the medical examiner, prosecutors and reporters.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons learned implementing community‐based comprehensive case management for families surviving homicide

Spilsbury

Phelps

Zatta

et al. 2016

Child & Family Social Work

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Family members of homicide victims often experience a wide range of adverse reactions to the homicide. This study reports on the Traumatic Loss Response Team, a project conducted by a community‐based, mental‐health agency to provide comprehensive case‐management services to meet homicide survivors' complex needs. To conduct the study, we abstracted service/process data from open client cases in 2013 (most recent year with available data) and conducted interviews with the project's implementing agencies. Interviews revealed both initial challenges and factors facilitating successful implementation. Main challenges to overcome included gaining credibility and trust from police and issues around overlap of services provided to families by numerous agencies that may become involved in a homicide. Partners view the project providing a range of important services to families, including intermediary/buffer between families and police. Concerning service data, of the 131 cases open in 2013, most were referred directly by police and involved community violence, an adult victim and a firearm. Most of the 164 clients receiving services were female, adult, African‐American and parents of the deceased. Grief support was the most common of numerous services provided. We hope that this study will catalyse sharing of similar data and experiences among organizations providing services to homicide survivors.

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Common Ground: The Development of a Support Group for Survivors of Homicide Loss in a Rural Community

Cited by 8 publications

References 6 publications

Co-victims of Homicide

Co-victims of Homicide

Responding to Homicide

Lessons learned implementing community‐based comprehensive case management for families surviving homicide

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