🕊️ Organizations & Resources

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National Center for Victims of Crime 

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The National Center for Victims of Crime offers comprehensive support, education, and advocacy for victims and survivors of violent crime.

Resources include:

• Trauma recovery information

• Victims' rights education

• Referrals to local support services

• Financial assistance information

• Family support resources

• Safety planning

• Guidance for navigating the criminal justice system

Website: https://victimsofcrime.org

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Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)

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A nationally respected organization dedicated to families who have experienced the murder of a loved one.

They offer:

• Peer support groups

• Local chapters

• Online meetings

• Resources for families

• Grief education

• Survivor conferences

Website: https://pomc.org

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Victim Services

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For families impacted by impaired driving fatalities or serious injuries.

Services include:

• Emotional support

• Court accompaniment

• Victim advocacy

• Support groups

• Financial resource guidance

Website: https://madd.org

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National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

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NOVA provides:

• Crisis support

• Trauma-informed resources

• Victim advocacy

• Professional referrals

• Education for survivors and caregivers

Website: https://trynova.org

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The Dougy Center

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While known for supporting grieving children, The Dougy Center also offers excellent resources for children and teens grieving after homicide, community violence, and traumatic death.

Resources include:

• Children's grief guides

• Parent education

• Activities

• School resources

Website: https://www.dougy.org

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🎥 Recommended Videos

National Center for Victims of Crime

Educational videos covering:

• Trauma recovery

• Victims' rights

• Healing after violent crime

• Self-care for survivors

https://victimsofcrime.org

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Parents of Murdered Children

The organization shares:

• Survivor stories

• Memorial events

• Healing journeys

• Conference presentations

https://pomc.org

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TED Talk — Nora McInerny: We Don't "Move On" From Grief

Although not specific to violent crime, this powerful talk resonates deeply with people grieving traumatic loss by validating that grief becomes part of us rather than something we simply leave behind.

https://www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerney_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it

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📚 Recommended Books:

• Bearing the Unbearable — Joanne Cacciatore

• Finding Meaning — David Kessler

• It's OK That You're Not OK — Megan Devine

• The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk (for understanding trauma)

• When Violence Is No Stranger — Jill Korbin (for understanding the impact of violence on families and communities)

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Additional Support:

Many states have Crime Victim Compensation Programs that may help cover:

• Counseling

• Funeral expenses

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Other crime-related costs

Your local prosecutor's office or victim advocate can help survivors determine eligibility and apply for assistance.