Family members and friends of victims of homicide violence face mental, physical, and spiritual health challenges as they learn to survive without their loved one. However, research has historically focused on perpetrators and victims of homicide violence and has neglected to examine the post-homicide experiences of surviving family members and friends. The scarcity of research further perpetuates disparities in mental health and leaves policy makers and practitioners with little data to develop culturally responsive and evidenced-based interventions. Dr. Tanya Sharpe and her team at the Factor- Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, CMHA Ontario and other partners collaborated to engage with survivors of homicide victims and their service providers across the province. This presentation will advance participants’ understanding of the needs of this population, identify promising culturally relevant approaches to practice and determine where supports are needed to serve specific populations.
Presenters: Uppala Chandrasekera, Dr. Tanya L. Sharpe
