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.