Murder Survivor's Handbook: Real-Life Stories, Tips & Resources

Book Synopsis: Murder Survivor's Handbook: Real-Life Stories, Tips & Resources helps family members adapt to the aftermath of murder. This book provides information, resources, and strategies for learning to live with the aftermath of a homicide, including safety issues, dealing with the criminal justice system, addressing the news media, and coping with traumatic grief, while preserving the memory of a loved one. In the book. Survivor Writers describe their own experiences and, through their tips and suggestions, lend a helping hand to those who follow in their footsteps. The book also encourages the readers to write down their own feelings and experiences as they take this journey no one ever wants to take, but in which they had no choice. Author Connie Saindon is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and among the few specialists in the field of violent death bereavement. She is the founder of the nonprofit Survivors of Violent Loss Program in San Diego, which began in 1998. Her commitment to violent loss bereavement is related to the loss of her sister, aged 17, to homicide in 1961. Her training includes the Restorative Retelling Model developed by Edward Rynearson, MD. She co-authored a preliminary study that showed significant decreases in symptoms using this model. Foreword by Edward K. Rynearson, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Washington; Medical Director, Separation & Loss Services, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington; Medical Director, Violent Death Bereavement Society, Homicide Support Project. Edited by Larry M. Edwards, a survivor of violent loss, which he documents in his award-winning book Dare I Call It Murder?: A Memoir of Violent Loss. Professionally, he is an award-winning investigative journalist and the author of three books. He also edits and publishes nonfiction and fiction books. www.LarryEdwards.com Praise for Murder Survivor's Handbook: Our non-profit agency in Virginia uses Connie Saindon's materials with homicide survivors in support groups and professional trainings. I cannot say enough good things about these materials, [which] center around true survivor stories, emotions, and journeys toward re-capturing hope, while honoring their loved one. Whether you are a professional in the field or a survivor, you will want to own anything that Ms. Saindon writes. We are grateful to have found her.—Dina Blythe, Homicide Survivor Support Group CoordinatorVirginia Victim Assistance Network This handbook is the absolutely perfect tool for survivors of homicide victims and those professionals who work to support them. Through the voices of survivors, the stark realities of learning to live with homicide are clearly exposed. The incredible depth of sorrow, daunting financial impact, and the long term challenges that survivors face are effectively presented. The wealth of information contained in this handbook needs to be on the bookshelves of everyone who interacts with survivors of homicide.—Carol Gaxiola, Mother of Jasmine GaxiolaDirector/Victim Advocate, Homicide Survivors, Inc. I know this book will be a tremendous help to those unfortunate enough to find themselves in this terrible situation. It is organized in such a way that people can read each section as the need arises. I wish there had been such a helpful resource for my family when we so desperately needed it!—Joyce Knott, mother of Cara Knott, murder victim This is exactly the book I would have loved to have had in the beginning so I wouldn't have made so many mistakes with Homicide, and that I would have had some idea how this entire process works. Soon others will not have to try to figure out the craziness of it all; it will be right there in their handbook.—Dayna Herroz, Survivor/Co-victim Peer Advocate/Violent Loss