Family Feelings

The overwhelming nature of a murder may cause family members to shut down and cope in their own way.   

This may cause a breakdown in the family communication and mutual support.

Blame and placement of guilt are common reactions as we question what they or other family members could have done to prevent the murder.

Social support may be withdrawn due to the stigma of murder, which tends to blame and assign guilt to the victim, their family or close friends.

Extreme anger and rage can be felt by the survivors along with intense desires for revenge and retribution.   These feelings often convince survivors that they are “losing it”.