Postterrorism services for victims and surviving family members: Lessons from Pan Am 103

Abstract

This study presents the findings of a services utilization and satisfaction survey of surviving family members of the Pan Am 103 (Lockerbie, Scotland) bombing. The goals of this study were to evaluate satisfaction with services provided; to gather information from surviving family members about experiences that might be expected to affect satisfaction; to estimate the psychological, physical, and financial impact of the homicide on surviving family members; to obtain recommendations regarding how services can be improved; and to solicit opinions regarding needs for future services. Participants were surviving family members who were interviewed twice using telephone interviews, once prior to completion of the criminal trial and again 7 weeks after the verdict. Results indicated that many surviving family members suffered from considerable problems associated with the loss of their loved ones. However, families found services provided by the United States Office for Victims of Crime, such as information about the court process, to be helpful. Finally, participants made specific recommendations for the improvement of services, including greater emotional support.