Guide to ease trauma for families of homicide victims

A GUIDE designed to ease the trauma suffered by victims of homicide in dealing with the criminal justice system will be launched today.

The booklet — published by Advocates for the Victims of Homicide (AdVIC) — will be given to families by gardaí.

The guide, the Helpful Directory of Information for People Bereaved by Homicide, will be launched by author and crime journalist Barry Cummins. The directory details information, advice and contacts they will need, including:

* Their rights and entitlements.

* The challenges people face in the aftermath of homicide.

* The role of each agency in the criminal justice system.

* Contact information for each agency.

* Voluntary support services available.

* Advice on dealing with the media.

“Many families report that their trauma is exacerbated by the fact that they did not know their rights, or understand the criminal justice system in which they found themselves,” said Annie Mulvaney, a founding member of AdVIC.

She welcomed the proposal by Justice Minister Michael McDowell to review some of the principles underpinning trials.

* Copies of the directory are available from: [e-mail] or 087 8800844. See also www.advic.ie