Homicide Victim Support Group (Aus)
Community Service in Sydney

They recognized the very genuine need to set up an organization which could donate counseling, encourage and information to families and friends of homicide victims throughout MSW. It was behind this meeting that the counseling section at the Institute of Forensic Medicine started to work with family members to introduce the concept of the HVSG. It was realized the Group would need a staff of its own. Family members were asked what it was that they needed to survive the horrors of murder. The group then and now is still about what family members tell us they need Support, Education, Advocacy and Reforming the criminal justice system that sometimes causes them more trauma. The list of invitations for family members to speak grew. It was decided in consultation with the Homicide Victim Encourage Group and the Institute to advertise for a coordinators position and a part-time counselor. Those two positions were occupied behind being advertised. Sadly as the HVSG grew it became apparent that we needed to move and employ more counseling and administrative staff. After being there for some years due to redevelopment of the building we moved to Kent Street, Sydney, once again our rent sponsored by the Government. HVSG is managed on a day to day basis by a team of professionals led by our Executive Director and overseen by our Executive Management Committee.

Has been instrumental in changing numerous pieces of legislation in the former twenty-two years and are continuing to do so. When our families arrive up against problems or inequities, we work with them to change or improve things for the following victim. Although many of our previous families experienced feelings of powerlessness in the past, they stood up and demanded many of the rights outlined below, temporary legislation and public perception as they fought back. To support the interests and rights of families of homicide victims, lobbying for legislative change wherever inequities or loopholes exist.

Grace's Place will be a particular deposit where our young members can recover and survive. It is urgent that when deciding which funeral director to use, consider their qualifications and skill to provide you with the superior service to confront all your needs. Most funeral companies can yield this service for you. If the victim has children it will be crucial to consider their wishes and part in the funeral. You think that you should feel something but nothing seems to be happening. This shock can come and go and the length of time varies from person to person. Others need to talk about it, perhaps many times over. Like adults children need love, accepting and opportunity to express their feelings in their own way in a safe and supportive environment. Children, especially younger children, will often express their feelings through their artwork. Share your feelings and reactions with them. Some men trust they can’t bemoan and promote their family members at the equivalent time. But behind attending a support meeting or a men’s weekend, they came away feeling that their anguish does not have to be all consuming and that they can feel their woe and still be qualified enough to urge their family. The men’s group members provide personal stories on how they coped. A counselor is a person who is trained in counseling helping people to talk about difficulties in their lives and find better ways of coping with them. They recognized the need for an organization to help the families and friends of homicide victims, through counseling, promote and information. In the past, the families and friends of homicide victims expressed a feeling of powerlessness when dealing with their loss. Family members of the Homicide Victims' Urge Group and other community members led the walk. The Homicide Victims Support Group employs five fully suited trauma and bereavement counselors to provide a professional service for its members. Attending court during a trial is often a stressful time. Court support may be provided by one of the counselors or a member of the Homicide Victims Support Group who has been through the process. This is their way of helping other family members. Thank you to the succeeding people and organizations for their outstanding support of making this day a memorable one for so many people. This day is for everyone who believes in a sound and clam world to come along and share a day with friends and family. Find friends and family who understand, and with whom you can share your experience.