Blog Articles & Helpful Information
Is the Aftermath of Murder Like an Orphan Disease?
So-called “orphan diseases” impact a small percentage of the population. They’re very rare. Most are life-threatening or debilitating. These illnesses can be genetic, infectious, toxic,
Real-Life Heros Who Helped Capture of Serial Murderers
Need inspiration? A boost? If so, this should do it! What might a blond teenager from Southern California, a vision-impaired artist from Mississippi and a
Parents Can Manage Traumatic Grief in Kids with Finesse
Children overwrought with the murder or suicide of a family member, friend, or other close adult often grope in the dark alone. They’re seldom invited
Loneliness Following the Murder of a Loved One
There’s a common, persistent myth that homicide (and suicide) survivors receive immediate, lasting and meaningful support from extended family and friends. When this fails to
Categories of Murder Charges and Penalties Explained
Laws about murder vary across the nation. What follows are the most common forms of murder charges, the maximum punishments, the usual time served and
Insulation from Mortality Hampers Grief Support
You Can Run But You Cannot Hide Why do we avoid talking about terminal illness, sudden death and dying? Death will happen to us all.
The Eight Faces of Grief from Homicide
Not all grief is the same. Turns out there are at least eight different forms. The distinctions help us understand subtle differences and anticipate when
The Death Penalty from the Perspective of Involved Homicide Survivors
Much of what is written and debated about the death penalty is from the perspective of the law profession, social ethics, or the incarcerated. This
The Weapon Used for Homicide Tells Its Own Story
The murderer’s weapon of choice tells a story within a story. It yields a horrifying glimpse into our loved one’s last moments. It sheds light
Forgive the Murderer of our Loved One?
In time you will be asked, “Have you forgiven the murderer of your loved one?” Many of us ponder this before answering. I was caught
Exploitation of Homicide Survivors by the Criminal Justice System (And What to Do About It)
Sidelined Once upon a time, homicide survivors had no place in the courtroom (except on the witness stand). We were sidelined; inconvenient observers in official
The Geography of Murder in the U.S.
How much does geography influence the homicide rate? A lot. A whole lot. Did you know that half of all violent crime in the U.S.
Exploitation of Homicide Survivors by Crime Scene Cleanup Companies (And What to Do About It)
Learning of the violent and sudden demise of a loved one at the hands of another is deplorable. But for some of us, that anguish
Exploitation of Homicide Survivors by the Media (And What to Do About It)
Journalists can feel like an incoming meteor to a brand-new homicide survivor. Sometimes it’s even them who deliver the bad news about our loved one.
Exploitation of Homicide Survivors by the Death Care Industry (What to Do About It)
Coping with the aftermath of violent death is tough enough without others manipulating our vulnerability and hijacking our wallets. Sadly, the Funeral Industry has tricksters.
Wrongful Convictions and Homicide Survivors
Little has been written about the impact of wrongful convictions on crime victims in general and homicide survivors in particular. How does this miscarriage of
Support Groups for the Grief of Homicide?
There will come a time in the life of nearly every homicide (and suicide) survivor when they feel absolutely depleted. They’ve run the marathon. They’ve
Safety Concerns Following the Murder of a Loved One
In the hours and days following the violent murder of someone important, we can be so preoccupied with grief, fatigue, and distractions that it’s easy
