Research & Advocacy
Families, the Collateral Damage
How Do Families Survive the Loss of a Loved One Through Homicide?
The impact of homicide extends far beyond the loss of a loved one. Surviving family members face profound grief, emotional trauma, financial challenges, and the complexities of navigating the criminal justice system.
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Commissioned by the Manitoba Organization for Victim Assistance (MOVA), Families, the Collateral Damage explores the lived experiences of 33 family members affected by homicide in Manitoba.
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Through their voices, this report examines the support families received, the challenges they encountered, and the services they believe are needed to better support families following a homicide.
Understanding What Families Need
The report highlights important areas for improving victim support, including:
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Accessible, ongoing counselling: Providing trauma-informed and culturally appropriate mental health support beyond the immediate aftermath of homicide.
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Clear communication: Improving coordination and information-sharing between families, police, victim services, and the justice system.
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Support for the entire family: Recognizing the needs of siblings, extended family members, and others affected by homicide.
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Long-term assistance: Ensuring families have continued access to guidance, resources, and compassionate support as their needs change.
Turning Lived Experiences Into Meaningful Change
By sharing the perspectives of families directly affected by homicide, MOVA hopes to encourage greater understanding, strengthen victim services, and inform meaningful improvements to policies and practices.
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This report is intended to support government agencies, policymakers, victim service professionals, and community organizations in developing more responsive and compassionate approaches to supporting families affected by homicide.