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Homicide Survivors/Co-victims

A homicide survivor or co-victim is anyone (such as a spouse or partner, child, sibling, extended family member, or friend) who has been impacted by the death of a loved one by homicide. The trauma and grief they experience can cause emotional scars that last a lifetime. They may also experience other kinds of loss, such as a loss of income in the family or the loss of a sense of safety and security. Homicide survivors and co-victims are an underserved and sparsely researched population of crime victims with unique and distinct problems. They need specialized resources in the aftermath of the homicide to lessen its long-term psychological impact, and to help them cope with their grief while restoring control in their lives.

The following resources provide guidance on communicating with and responding to homicide survivors and co-victims.


OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

OVC HELP Series for Crime Victims (June 2012) OVC
This series of nine brochures features information and resources for victims of crime and victim service professionals on the topics of assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, impaired driving, robbery, sexual violence, and stalking. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are a victim of this crime and where to go for help; and provides resources for more information and assistance.
HTML
 
Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations: A Guide for Developing a Law Enforcement Protocol (August 2011) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 55 pages, NCJ 236082.
Through funding from OVC, the National Sheriffs' Association, Justice Solutions, and the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., developed this publication which identifies and discusses how law enforcement agencies can develop protocols for best serving survivors of homicide during cold case investigation.
Abstract | PDF
 
First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers (July 2010) OVC, OVC Training Guidebooks, 98 pages, NCJ 231171.
This educational multimedia package, produced by the National Sheriffs' Association, looks at the impact of crime on victims and describes steps that law enforcement can take, as first responders, to meet victims' needs. Among the types of victimizations covered are sexual assault, drunk driving, homicide, human trafficking, and mass casualties. The special needs of older victims, child victims, immigrants, and victims with disabilities are addressed as well.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Guidebooks Series
 
Victim Impact: Listen and Learn Curriculum (February 2009) OVC, 286 pages, NCJ 224257.
This OVC-funded curriculum is geared toward helping offenders to become aware of the impact that crime has on victims and then to take responsibility and make amends for their actions. The online-only curriculum consists of 13 units, built around 10 core crime topics: property crime, assault, robbery, hate and bias, gang violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, drunk and impaired driving, and homicide, plus chapters on implementing the program, the victim experience and making amends to victims. Victims and survivors speak about their experiences in the accompanying video clips.
Abstract | PDF (Facilitator Manual, Part 1) | PDF (Facilitator Manual, Part 2) | PDF (Participant Workbook) | HTML
 
Victim Impact: Listen and Learn (September 2008) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 223072.
This 57-minute DVD features the first-person accounts of 14 men and women who share their experiences as crime victims and the ripple effect that victimization can have on family members and the community at large. It is an effective training resource for victim service providers seeking to improve their understanding of the physical, emotional, financial, and psychological effects of crime.
Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | HTML (Electronic Only Curriculum) | Video (WMV Video Clip)
 

OJP Publications

Homicide Trends in the United States, 1980-2008 (November 2011) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 36 pages, NCJ 236018.
Presents findings from data on homicides that occurred in the United States from 1980 through 2008 and includes overall homicide rates for 2009 and 2010. The report contains a series of tables and figures that describe homicide patterns and trends which analyze homicide trends by age, sex, and race, including homicides of children under age 5 and of persons age 65 or older. Also examined is the relationship between the victim and the offender.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Female Victims of Violence (September 2009) BJS, Report, BJS Selected Findings, 8 pages, NCJ 228356.
This report provides the current findings on nonfatal and fatal violent crimes committed against females.

Part Of the BJS Selected Findings Series Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Identifying Victims Using DNA: A Guide for Families - Guia para las familias sobre la identificacion de victimas mediante analisis de ADN (April 2005) NIJ, Report, 10 pages, NCJ 212872.
Intended for family members of crime victims, this guide describes the process of identifying the remains of a victim through DNA analysis.
Abstract | PDF (English) | PDF (Spanish)
 
Child Victimizers: Violent Offenders and Their Victims (March 1996) BJS, 32 pages, NCJ 153258.
This report provides an analysis of the most serious types of child abuse and child victimization, in which the child was murdered or the offender was incarcerated. This report is based on data from a nationally representative sample of state inmates in 1991 and from homicide statistics from law enforcement agencies.
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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A homicide survivor or co-victim is anyone (such as a spouse or partner, child, sibling, extended family member, or friend) who has been impacted by the death of a loved one by homicide. The trauma and grief they experience can cause emotional scars that last a lifetime. They may also experience other kinds of loss, such as a loss of income in the family or the loss of a sense of safety and security. Homicide survivors and co-victims are an underserved and sparsely researched population of crime victims with unique and distinct problems. They need specialized resources in the aftermath of the homicide to lessen its long-term psychological impact, and to help them cope with their grief while restoring control in their lives.

The following resources provide guidance on communicating with and responding to homicide survivors and co-victims.


A homicide survivor or co-victim is anyone (such as a spouse or partner, child, sibling, extended family member, or friend) who has been impacted by the death of a loved one by homicide. The trauma and grief they experience can cause emotional scars that last a lifetime. They may also experience other kinds of loss, such as a loss of income in the family or the loss of a sense of safety and security. Homicide survivors and co-victims are an underserved and sparsely researched population of crime victims with unique and distinct problems. They need specialized resources in the aftermath of the homicide to lessen its long-term psychological impact, and to help them cope with their grief while restoring control in their lives.

The following resources provide guidance on communicating with and responding to homicide survivors and co-victims.


Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Aug 18 2010 at 2:00PM, Diane Alexander, Senior Advisor of Justice Solutions, and Dan Levey, National President, The National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc, and Tim Woods, Director of the Research, Development, and Grants Division at the National Sheriffs' Association, hosted a discussion on Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations

On Nov 8 2007 at 2:00PM, Carroll Ann Ellis, Director of the Victim Services Division of the Fairfax County Police Department, hosted a discussion on Working with Survivors of Homicide and Other Traumatic Events

On May 23 2007 at 2:00PM, Laurie Caldwell, Senior Agent with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Bob Lowery, City Manager and Team Adam member, hosted a discussion on Addressing Cases With Missing or Unidentified Victims

On Sep 7 2005 at 2:00PM, Nancy Ruhe, Executive Director of the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc, hosted a discussion on Assisting Parents of Murdered Children

A homicide survivor or co-victim is anyone (such as a spouse or partner, child, sibling, extended family member, or friend) who has been impacted by the death of a loved one by homicide. The trauma and grief they experience can cause emotional scars that last a lifetime. They may also experience other kinds of loss, such as a loss of income in the family or the loss of a sense of safety and security. Homicide survivors and co-victims are an underserved and sparsely researched population of crime victims with unique and distinct problems. They need specialized resources in the aftermath of the homicide to lessen its long-term psychological impact, and to help them cope with their grief while restoring control in their lives.

The following resources provide guidance on communicating with and responding to homicide survivors and co-victims.


How many people are murdered in the United States each year?
Year by year homicide statistics can be accessed via the Homicide Trends in the United States sectio... Read More

How many homicide victims were killed with a handgun?
Statistics on homicides committed with a handgun are available via the Homicide Trends in the United... Read More

What types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

Are there any statistics on the number of children that are kidnapped and then murdered?
Statistics on the number of children that are kidnapped and then murdered can be found in the Office... Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?
Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr... Read More

More FAQs

A homicide survivor or co-victim is anyone (such as a spouse or partner, child, sibling, extended family member, or friend) who has been impacted by the death of a loved one by homicide. The trauma and grief they experience can cause emotional scars that last a lifetime. They may also experience other kinds of loss, such as a loss of income in the family or the loss of a sense of safety and security. Homicide survivors and co-victims are an underserved and sparsely researched population of crime victims with unique and distinct problems. They need specialized resources in the aftermath of the homicide to lessen its long-term psychological impact, and to help them cope with their grief while restoring control in their lives.

The following resources provide guidance on communicating with and responding to homicide survivors and co-victims.


No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities

A homicide survivor or co-victim is anyone (such as a spouse or partner, child, sibling, extended family member, or friend) who has been impacted by the death of a loved one by homicide. The trauma and grief they experience can cause emotional scars that last a lifetime. They may also experience other kinds of loss, such as a loss of income in the family or the loss of a sense of safety and security. Homicide survivors and co-victims are an underserved and sparsely researched population of crime victims with unique and distinct problems. They need specialized resources in the aftermath of the homicide to lessen its long-term psychological impact, and to help them cope with their grief while restoring control in their lives.

The following resources provide guidance on communicating with and responding to homicide survivors and co-victims.


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

OVC HELP Series for Crime Victims (June 2012) OVC This series of nine brochures features information and resources for victims of crime and victim service professionals on the topics of assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, impaired driving, robbery, sexual violence, and stalking. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are a victim of this crime and where to go for help; and provides resources for more information and assistance.
HTML
 
Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations: A Guide for Developing a Law Enforcement Protocol (August 2011) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 55 pages, NCJ 236082. Through funding from OVC, the National Sheriffs' Association, Justice Solutions, and the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc., developed this publication which identifies and discusses how law enforcement agencies can develop protocols for best serving survivors of homicide during cold case investigation.
Abstract | PDF
 
First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers (July 2010) OVC, OVC Training Guidebooks, 98 pages, NCJ 231171. This educational multimedia package, produced by the National Sheriffs' Association, looks at the impact of crime on victims and describes steps that law enforcement can take, as first responders, to meet victims' needs. Among the types of victimizations covered are sexual assault, drunk driving, homicide, human trafficking, and mass casualties. The special needs of older victims, child victims, immigrants, and victims with disabilities are addressed as well.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Guidebooks Series
 
Victim Impact: Listen and Learn Curriculum (February 2009) OVC, 286 pages, NCJ 224257. This OVC-funded curriculum is geared toward helping offenders to become aware of the impact that crime has on victims and then to take responsibility and make amends for their actions. The online-only curriculum consists of 13 units, built around 10 core crime topics: property crime, assault, robbery, hate and bias, gang violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, drunk and impaired driving, and homicide, plus chapters on implementing the program, the victim experience and making amends to victims. Victims and survivors speak about their experiences in the accompanying video clips.
Abstract | PDF (Facilitator Manual, Part 1) | PDF (Facilitator Manual, Part 2) | PDF (Participant Workbook) | HTML
 
Victim Impact: Listen and Learn (September 2008) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 223072. This 57-minute DVD features the first-person accounts of 14 men and women who share their experiences as crime victims and the ripple effect that victimization can have on family members and the community at large. It is an effective training resource for victim service providers seeking to improve their understanding of the physical, emotional, financial, and psychological effects of crime.
Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | HTML (Electronic Only Curriculum) | Video (WMV Video Clip)
 

OJP Publications

Homicide Trends in the United States, 1980-2008 (November 2011) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 36 pages, NCJ 236018. Presents findings from data on homicides that occurred in the United States from 1980 through 2008 and includes overall homicide rates for 2009 and 2010. The report contains a series of tables and figures that describe homicide patterns and trends which analyze homicide trends by age, sex, and race, including homicides of children under age 5 and of persons age 65 or older. Also examined is the relationship between the victim and the offender.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Female Victims of Violence (September 2009) BJS, Report, BJS Selected Findings, 8 pages, NCJ 228356. This report provides the current findings on nonfatal and fatal violent crimes committed against females.
Part Of the BJS Selected Findings Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Identifying Victims Using DNA: A Guide for Families - Guia para las familias sobre la identificacion de victimas mediante analisis de ADN (April 2005) NIJ, Report, 10 pages, NCJ 212872. Intended for family members of crime victims, this guide describes the process of identifying the remains of a victim through DNA analysis.
Abstract | PDF (English) | PDF (Spanish)
 
Child Victimizers: Violent Offenders and Their Victims (March 1996) BJS, 32 pages, NCJ 153258. This report provides an analysis of the most serious types of child abuse and child victimization, in which the child was murdered or the offender was incarcerated. This report is based on data from a nationally representative sample of state inmates in 1991 and from homicide statistics from law enforcement agencies.
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Related Resources

Federal Resources

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): Homicide Trends in the United States
This BJS tool provides data at the state-level related to homicides, including the number of victims, demographic data (age, race, and gender), and weapon involvement.
 
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): Victims
Summary findings, publications, selected statistics: Victim characteristics, BJS Criminal Victimization in the United States—annual detailed statistical tables, BJS Homicide Trends in the United States, and the National Crime Victimization Survey.
 
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)
NCJRS is a federally funded resource offering information on victimology and victim assistance, criminal justice, juvenile justice, information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide. NCJRS supplies the victim services field with resources, publications, and program information. The NCJRS library collection includes more than 30,000 resources relevant to the field.
 
Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Easy Access to the FBI's Supplementary Homicide Reports (EZASHR)
EZASHR provides access to more than twenty years of national and State data on homicide victims and known homicide offenders, including information on the age, sex, and race of victims and offenders, the victim-offender relationship, and the type of weapon used.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families provides support and training locally, nationally, and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief.
 
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
MADD has hundreds of chapters that assist victims of drunk driving crashes at the local level. Its Web site offers statistics, activism information, materials in Spanish, and program awareness resources. MADD recently launched a 24-hour hotline to lend support to victims of drunk driving and their friends and family. You can call 1-877-MADD-HELP for emotional support, guidance, and referrals.
 
National Center For Child Death Review
The National Center for Child Death Review promotes, supports and enhances child death review methodology and activities at the community, state, and national levels.
 
National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC)
POMC provides the ongoing emotional support needed to help parents and other survivors facilitate the reconstruction of a "new life" and to promote healthy grief resolution.
 
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS)
TAPS is a nonprofit organization staffed by, and providing services to, all those who have lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces.
 

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Web Forum Discussions

Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Aug 18 2010 at 2:00PM, Diane Alexander, Senior Advisor of Justice Solutions, and Dan Levey, National President, The National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc, and Tim Woods, Director of the Research, Development, and Grants Division at the National Sheriffs' Association, hosted a discussion on Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations

On Nov 8 2007 at 2:00PM, Carroll Ann Ellis, Director of the Victim Services Division of the Fairfax County Police Department, hosted a discussion on Working with Survivors of Homicide and Other Traumatic Events

On May 23 2007 at 2:00PM, Laurie Caldwell, Senior Agent with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Bob Lowery, City Manager and Team Adam member, hosted a discussion on Addressing Cases With Missing or Unidentified Victims

On Sep 7 2005 at 2:00PM, Nancy Ruhe, Executive Director of the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc, hosted a discussion on Assisting Parents of Murdered Children


FAQs

How many people are murdered in the United States each year?
Year by year homicide statistics can be accessed via the Homicide Trends in the United States sectio... Read More

How many homicide victims were killed with a handgun?
Statistics on homicides committed with a handgun are available via the Homicide Trends in the United... Read More

What types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

Are there any statistics on the number of children that are kidnapped and then murdered?
Statistics on the number of children that are kidnapped and then murdered can be found in the Office... Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?
Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr... Read More

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Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

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National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
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Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.