Family Members of Homicide Victims: The Psychological Impact
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The loss of a family member to homicide is a severely traumatic experience, resulting in emotional, physical and practical challenges. Studies have identified high rates of psychological distress, including Depression, Complicated Grief and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in family members of homicide victims (homicide survivors), yet these studies may have overlooked other challenges for this population. Limited literature is available on homicide survivors, and no research has yet been performed on this population in New Zealand. Using a qualitative design, this study explored the perceived impact of losing a family member to homicide (homicide survival) in a group of twelve participants from New Zealand. A convenience sample was recruited by email invitations. The twelve participants completed individual semi-structured interviews, describing their experience of losing a family member to homicide and the subsequent effects of such an experience. The exploratory approach of this study allowed a vivid picture of various challenges faced by homicide survivors to be depicted, and areas in need of improvement to be identified. Each participant identified emotional and physical effects of their homicide survival experience, and emphasised the need for more adequate provision of information and support within the structured confines of the criminal justice system. While Court outcomes and procedures cannot be controlled, the criminal justice system should provide better mechanisms for preparation and support of homicide survivors before and throughout the Court process. An improvement in institutional support structures available to homicide survivors would minimise negative outcomes for these victims such as an inability to find meaning in life post-loss, stress related health effects, relationship strain and emotional distress. The findings of this study have important implications for future interventions more appropriately supporting homicide survivors, first through an initial period of shock and numbness post-homicide, then through the subsequent re-traumatising Court process, and finally through the period of bereavement. The findings of this study also identify factors that should be expanded upon in future research in order to ensure that homicide survivors are better supported by the criminal justice system, government agencies and other professionals involved.
Author: Fisher, Elizabeth
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2951798922