HOMICIDE SURVIVORS PROGRAM

Phone (256) 551-1610	600 St. Clair Ave. Bldg. #3	E-mail
Fax (256) 551-0722	Huntsville, AL 35801

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The Homicide Survivors Program (HSP) supports families and friends who have lost their loved ones to murder and vehicular homicide. HSP's mission is to identify those survivors who are in need of practical intervention and support following the murder of a loved one and to provide assistance to them. Not only does HSP help survivors with their acute grief, but assistance is also provided regarding the operation of the criminal justice system.

Residents of Madison, Marshall, Morgan, Limestone, Jackson, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Colbert, DeKalb, Franklin, Marion, Winston and Cullman counties are eligible for HSP assistance. All services are provided free of charge.

For those who are interested in learning more about the survivors of homicide and the aftermath of murder, HSP provides training to professionals in such fields as law enforcement, mental health, social work, law, criminal justice, community services, medicine, education, religion and journalism.

Why You May Need Support

When a loved one is murdered, the grief and heartache ordinarily associated with death are greatly intensified. One's emotions are thrown into a tailspin. Everyone has his/her own way of dealing with grief. The feelings one experiences are likely to be very difficult and foreign, but they are normal and more than likely similar to those experienced by other survivors. Common reactions shared by many survivors of homicide or vehicular homicide are:

Shock/Disbelief

Anger/Outrage

Sleeplessness or constant sleep

Helplessness/Hopelessness

Intense heartache/Sadness

Anxiety/Fear/Depression

Thoughts of Suicide

Loss of appetite or overeating

Flashbacks/Mood Swings/Nightmares

Guilt/Shame

Fantasies of revenge

You are not alone. Being involved with others will help your recovery, especially if you can channel your strong emotions into constructive action. We can help you do that!

Grief does not just go away with time, you have to work through it. One of the most important things you can do is connect with a person or group with whom you can talk freely. One source of good listeners is the Homicide Survivors Program (HSP). The HSP staff and counselors are available to listen and assist you with specific problems. They can assist you with helpful resources and put you in contact with someone who understands what you are experiencing.

HSP is supported by Sub-grant #05-VA-UN-001, awarded by ADECA/Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

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