Family Members Of Homicide Victims Research Articles

Vítimas indiretas da violência: um olhar sobre os impactos na saúde

Abstract We sought to investigate the perceptions of indirect victims or family members of homicide victims, about the repercussions of these deaths on their health. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was carried out, based on eight semi-structured individual interviews with two groups: family members of police officers victimized by lethal violence, and family members of people killed as a result of police intervention, designated here as homicide. Both groups reported the perception that their health deteriorated after the homicide, and mentioned problems such as depression, panic disorder, insomnia, heart conditions and eating disorders. They also highlighted the acquisition of habits that are harmful to health, such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and self-medication, and the worsening of pre-existing health issues. It was observed that the homicide committed and suffered by police agents affects various aspects of the lives of indirect victims that are inseparable from health issues in a broader sense. These people are also victims of this violence, although their suffering is often made invisible. Studying this topic helps to give space to the suffering and mourning of these people and to subsidize the best performance of the institutions and services involved.

Indirect victims of violence: a look at health impacts.

We sought to investigate the perceptions of indirect victims or family members of homicide victims, about the repercussions of these deaths on their health. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was carried out, based on eight semi-structured individual interviews with two groups: family members of police officers victimized by lethal violence, and family members of people killed as a result of police intervention, designated here as homicide. Both groups reported the perception that their health deteriorated after the homicide, and mentioned problems such as depression, panic disorder, insomnia, heart conditions and eating disorders. They also highlighted the acquisition of habits that are harmful to health, such as the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and self-medication, and the worsening of pre-existing health issues. It was observed that the homicide committed and suffered by police agents affects various aspects of the lives of indirect victims that are inseparable from health issues in a broader sense. These people are also victims of this violence, although their suffering is often made invisible. Studying this topic helps to give space to the suffering and mourning of these people and to subsidize the best performance of the institutions and services involved.

“No One Can Feel My Pain”: The Experience of Black Women Survivors of Homicide Victims and System Agents’ Perspectives on the Impact of Homicide in the Boston Area

Black communities are disproportionately affected by homicide and the family and friends of homicide victims, known as survivors of homicide victims, are left behind to cope with their loss. These survivors of homicide victims must deal with the trauma of the death and obtaining justice for their loved one. Also, homicide deaths impact the whole community. There is limited research on the experiences of Black survivors of homicide victims. This exploratory phenomenological qualitative study examines the experiences of Black survivors of homicide victims in the Boston area, the impact that homicide deaths have on survivors, and the perspectives of systems agents directly involved with the aftermath of the homicide. The study was guided by the conceptual framework Model of Coping for African American Survivors of Homicide Victims (MCAASHV) and took into consideration the contexts and systems survivors interact with (ecological theory) and the ideologies shaping them (Critical Race Theory). Qualitative interviews were conducted with three Black family members of homicide victims and three system agents directly involved with homicide deaths that occur in Boston, Massachusetts. A narrative approach was used to identify themes in the data. Findings indicated that the Black survivors’ experience in Boston is characterized by dealing with simultaneous trauma and grief caused by the murder and navigating weak relationships with law enforcement and criminal justice systems. The findings also revealed that survivors and systems agents have differing opinions on why homicides are unsolved in Black communities. These findings have implications for research and the development of support services and interventions that are appropriate for Black survivors.

Families of victims of homicide: qualitative study of their experiences with mental health inquiries.

Investigations may be undertaken into mental healthcare related homicides to ascertain if lessons can be learned to prevent the chance of recurrence. Families of victims are variably involved in serious incident reviews. Their perspectives on the inquiry process have rarely been studied. To explore the experiences of investigative processes from the perspectives of family members of homicide victims killed by a mental health patient to better inform the process of conducting inquiries. The study design was informed by interpretive description methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five families whose loved one had been killed by a mental health patient and where there had been a subsequent inquiry process in New Zealand. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Families in this study felt excluded, marginalised and disempowered by mental health inquires. The data highlight these families' perspectives, particularly on the importance of a clear process of inquiry, and of actions by healthcare providers that indicate restorative intent. Families in this study were united in reporting that they felt excluded from mental health inquiries. We suggest that the inclusion of families' perspectives should be a key consideration in the conduct of mental health inquiries. There may be benefit from inquiries that communicate a clear process of investigation that reflects restorative intent, acknowledges victims, provides appropriate apologies and gives families opportunities to contribute.

Living with Impunity: Unsolved Murders in Oakland and the Human Rights Impact on Victims' Family Members

An epidemic of murders in Oakland, California, has claimed hundreds of lives in the past decade, and the victims’ families often face discriminatory treatment by police, devastating financial burdens, and psychological trauma, with inadequate government support. “Living with Impunity: Unsolved Murders in Oakland and the Human Rights Impact on Victims’ Family Members” presents work by Berkeley Law International Human Rights Law Clinic Co-Director Roxanna Altholz and other researchers who found that surviving family members often were victimized a second time as law enforcement and other agencies treated them with indifference — and even hostility. The impact of this “impunity” falls most heavily on African Americans in low-income neighborhoods, the study found. Oakland has been one of the most violent cities in the country since the 1990s. Over the last decade, approximately 76% of the city’s homicide victims were black. During that time, Oakland police made arrests in just 40% of murder cases when the victim was black, compared to 80% when the victim was white. As a result of high rates of violence yet low arrest rates, the Oakland Police Department has over 2,000 cold homicide cases on its books. For families in Oakland, the report describes a troubling reality in the aftermath of murder: “lackluster police responsiveness and often disrespectful and discriminatory treatment, checkered availability of crime-victim services and restrictions on who can take advantage of them, and stigma and safety concerns that not only often go unaddressed but are exacerbated by the criminal justice system’s cramped approach to justice.” The report uses the concept of “impunity” — the idea, commonly used in the field of international law, that the failure to bring perpetrators of a violent crime to justice creates continuing trauma for survivors — to expose underexamined impacts of these unsolved murders on the families of homicide victims. The “Living with Impunity” report calls on federal, state, and local authorities to invest in the well-being of family members and ensure better treatment and improved communication by the police during the criminal investigation. The report urges officials to provide all family members, including individuals who are on probation, access to wraparound services and long-term care to specifically address the complex needs of family members of homicide victims.

Homocide co-victims: confidence in the criminal justice system

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the phenomenology of family members of homicide victims; known as “co-victims”. In particular, co-victims experiences of the criminal justice system (CJS) in England and Wales.Design/methodology/approachIn 2018, 10 kV methodology facilitated an electronic-focus group. Anonymously, volunteers from families of homicide victims responded to key questions in a session entitled “a conversation which matters: confidence”. The thematic analysis presents the responses to three questions around “what works” and “what does not” in CJS practice.FindingsThe responses indicate four themes in relation to confidence building: communication and information; outcome; honesty and fairness; and family support. Responses indicate three themes in relation to what the CJS does well: family liaison officers, homicide detectives and court services. Responses indicate three themes in relation to what is not working: court proceedings, police budget cuts and preventative interventions.Research limitations/implicationsThe research considers benefits and limitations of methodology and makes suggestions for how these facets could be addressed by future research.Practical implicationsThe research findings reveal good practice and points for attention to support confidence building in the CJS. Amongst other considerations, the work advances CJS practical good practice principles from the perspective of co-victims: education, interpersonal relations, working together, communication and justice.Originality/valueFindings are of value to CJS policy makers, training and education for co-victim support, police and academics.

The Development of a Culturally Adapted Pilot Intervention for African American Family Members of Homicide Victims: A Preliminary Report.

African Americans are disproportionately impacted by homicide in the United States. Individuals who have lost a relative to homicide often experience symptoms of complicated grief. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of a culturally tailored psychoeducational pilot intervention whose development was informed by a conceptual model of coping for African American survivors of homicide victims and was designed to (a) educate participants about the manifestation of complicated grief and symptoms and (b) help participants develop ways to cope with their grief. Pre- and post-test results indicate preliminary support for this encouraging intervention in achieving its intended outcomes to help participants identify complicated grief symptoms, supports, and services to help them manage their grief. Implications for posthomicide research and practice are discussed.

Whose Statement Is It? An Examination of Victim Impact Statements Delivered in Court

Many crime victims today have the opportunity to create, and in some contexts deliver, a victim impact statement in court. While research has examined the effects of this participation on outcomes like sentencing, very little is known about the content of these statements or if the content is influenced by the context in which it is shared (i.e., the courtroom). Using trial transcripts and interviews with criminal justice officials and family members of homicide victims, the current study examines the stories victims share as well as the influence justice system actors have in their creation and delivery.

Coping with grief responses among African American family members of homicide victims.

Research relevant to coping with grief for African American family members of homicide victims is limited. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the effects of gender, length of time since death, the traumatic impact of experiencing the homicide of a loved one, and the use of coping strategies to current grief reactions of African American family members of homicide victims (N = 44). Multiple regression analysis results suggest that gender and level of traumatic stress, related to posttraumatic stress symptomatology, predict current symptoms of grief. Women reported higher levels of current grief symptoms than men. Family members of homicide victims who reported higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptomology reported higher levels of current grief. Implications for research and recommendations for practitioners are discussed.

Understanding the Sociocultural Context of Coping for African American Family Members of Homicide Victims

The disproportionate representation of African American survivors of homicide victims places them at greater risk for compromised mental health. However, an examination of factors that influence how this population copes with this traumatic event is absent from the literature. This article elucidates the importance of sociocultural factors that influence coping resources and strategies for African Americans surviving the homicide of a loved one. A socioculturally responsive model of coping is presented that can be utilized in furthering the development of research and practice that is culturally responsive to the needs of African American survivors of homicide victims.

Examining posttraumatic stress symptoms in a national sample of homicide survivors: Prevalence and comparison to other violence victims

The present study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among friends and family members of homicide victims (homicide survivors). Out of a national sample of 1,753 young adults who completed follow-up interviews after participating in the National Survey of Adolescents, 268 homicide survivors and 653 victims of other interpersonal violence were selected for the study. Participants completed structured telephone interviews that covered the loss of a family member or close friend to homicide, violence exposure, and PTSD symptomatology. Findings indicated that 39% of homicide survivors met criteria for all 3 symptom clusters and 30% of homicide survivors met criteria for 2 PTSD clusters (functional impairment was not assessed). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that homicide survivors were more likely than victims of other violence to meet criteria for all 3 PTSD symptom clusters (OR = 1.91, p < .05) and 2 symptom clusters (OR = 1.77, p < .05) when demographic characteristics and number of violent events were included in the model. These findings highlight the high prevalence of subthreshold PTSD symptoms among homicide survivors. Results suggest that homicide survivors are at elevated risk for PTSD symptoms in comparison to victims of other interpersonal violence.

Sources of Support for African-American Family Members of Homicide Victims

ABSTRACT The rates of homicide within the African-American community indicate a population overwhelmingly impacted by traumatic grief and loss. A qualitative study was conducted to: (1) discover the support networks that are utilized by African-American family members who are surviving the homicide of a loved one; (2) gain insight relative to understanding the post-homicide experience of African-American surviving family members. A purposive sample of five African-American survivors participated in a semi-structured interview. Findings indicated that the informal social support provided by immediate and extended family, fictive kin and friends was the primary source of support that was used to cope with the homicide of their loved ones. However, respondents indicated a need to incorporate formal social support systems (e.g., therapeutic interventions) to help them cope with their grief. Respondents identified distrust of clinical and research institutions, fear of stigmatization, and level of comfort with clinicians, as potential barriers to seeking support for African-American family members who are surviving the homicide of a loved one. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Perceptions of Survivors of Loss by Homicide: Opportunities for Nursing Practice

Ten adult family members of homicide victims were recruited to participate in interviews describing their experiences related to the loss of their loved ones. A phenomenological approach was used to guide data collection and analysis, resulting in the identification of four major themes. Participants described intense emotional responses and grief complicated by the suddenness, violence, and intentionality of the homicide; engagement in activities that both buffered the emotional effects of the loss and helped them purposefully integrate it into their lives; the strengthening and dissolution of relationships; and a transformative, perpetually evolving post-homicide experience that was viewed as "healing" and that was influenced by many factors. Implications of these findings for research and nursing practice are discussed.

Journey of family members of homicide victims: A qualitative study of their posthomicide experience.

Family members of homicide victims are a neglected population whose posthomicide experience is shaped by the social milieu and primacy of the state's agenda for justice. Themes derived from interviews with 14 families about their lived experience are analyzed and explored through the lens of social constructionist theory, and implications for clinical practice and policy are presented.

Journal of family members of homicide victims: A qualitative study of their posthomicide experience.

Journal of family members of homicide victims: A qualitative study of their posthomicide experience.

The Role of Religion in Coping with the Loss of a Family Member to Homicide

This study investigated the role of religious coping among 150 family members of homicide victims. Six types of religious coping activities were examined: Spiritually Based Coping, Religious Support, Avoidance, Pleading, Good Deeds, and Discontent. We hypothesized that high levels of religious coping would be reported by the sample and that religious coping generally would be related to less posthomicide distress. Results indicated that the sample engaged in high amounts of religious coping activities, with the exception of Discontent. Contrary to hypothesis, religious coping activities largely were related to more distress. Whereas Religious Support was positively related to well-being, Pleading, Deeds, and Discontent were related negatively. These findings suggest that although religious coping activities are prevalent among homicide survivors, these activities may be related to poorer mental health outcomes when coping with loss of a family member to homicide.

System influences on posthomicide beliefs and distress.

Criminal justice system experiences in 150 family members of homicide victims were investigated. The study had two goals: (a) to document the experiences of homicide survivors in the criminal justice system, including case outcomes, criminal justice system activities, and satisfaction with system personnel; and (b) to determine if experiences with the police impacted posthomicide beliefs (cognitive assumptions about the world and one's relationship to it) and psychological distress. The sample, which was identified through the Medical Examiner's Office, was drawn from all criminal homicides from 1.5 to 5 years prior to selection. Results showed that family members of homicide victims were very dissatisfied with their experiences in the criminal justice system. Additionally, whereas objective system outcomes (e.g., arrest) did not directly affect posthomicide beliefs and distress, subjective system outcomes (e.g., police satisfaction) directly affected beliefs and indirectly affected distress. There was some support for both equity theory and a cognitive theory of change, the two theories that guided the model specification.

Grief among Surviving Family Members of Homicide Victims: A Causal Approach

A causal model is proposed to delineate predictors of self-reported grief among surviving family members of homicidal victims. The model specifies structural linkages among sociodemographic characteristics, psychological factors, and subjective ratings of grief. The proposed model is evaluated using data from a survey of members of “Victims of Violence” support groups. The results, for the most part, support the proposed model and indicate that correlates of grief differ across gender-specific subgroups in terms of their relative importance, predictive power, complexity, and overall patterns. Implications of the findings for developing program interventions and future research are discussed.

Measuring symptoms of grief and bereavement.

As part of an effort to develop an instrument to measure grief, a 58-item questionnaire was completed by 211 subjects who had lost a loved one because of death. The results demonstrated wide individual variations in specific symptoms and in their intensity and duration. Long after the immediate grief period, most bereaved individuals continued to feel upset, empty, or tearful; many experienced anniversary reactions and/or physical symptoms; and some had persistent identification phenomena. Although the acute dysphoria peaked between 1 and 2 years, several grief-related feelings, symptoms, and behaviors continued indefinitely. The relevance of present work and directions for future studies are discussed.