Homicide

Death by homicide--the act of one individual willfully killing another--profoundly affects the mental and physical well being of family members and friends of the murdered victim. Its impact, however, quickly expands to include agents of the criminal and juvenile justice systems, allied professionals, victim service providers and caregivers, and the public--at large. This chapter will discuss homicide in the context of the relationship that develops between the murder victim, the victims' family members, and the murderer upon notification of the death to family members, addressing the manner in which they are informed and the types of trauma that can be anticipated. It will consider the specific ways in which homicide is perceived by society, adjudicated by the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and treated by the media; and it will explore research and clinical findings regarding homicide and bereavement. Finally, the chapter will offer promising practices for treatment and support of those most directly affected by homicide.

Learning objectives include:

• The scope and circumstances of homicide, along with elements unique to the homicides of loved ones that negatively impact survivors.
• Grief reactions and typical reactions to homicide.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Grief.
• The victim service providers' responses to homicide survivors and promising practices for the treatment and support of homicide survivors.