Spare the salacious detail and think of family

The weekend before last human remains were found in a suitcase in the Grand Canal. The victim suffered a horrific, violent death. Since then the gruesome details have not been spared across the media.

Last week, early morning news bulletins on RTE informed the nation that the family had asked for privacy. Yet, within minutes the appeal had been disregarded by the broadcaster, when a journalist on the Sean O’Rourke radio show gave description of the victim’s death, during which gruesome details were not spared.

Such reporting, verbal or written, shows insensitivity to the victim’s family. This is a family in shock, desperately trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of their loved one. The family needs space at this time.

Support after Homicide is a victim support organization, which, specialises in supporting people whose lives have been affected by homicide. On behalf of our members we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the O’Brien family.

Our organization knows first hand that media accounts of the death of loved ones are the cause of much added distress to grieving families. Very often such accounts are inaccurate, misleading, even speculation.

Support after Homicide (SAH) is a national, voluntary, organisation and a registered charity. We offer emotional support, information and practical assistance to family members and friends who are bereaved by the violent death of a loved one. Service has continued unbroken since 1996

Ann Meade

PRO, Support After Homicide

Knocklyon

Dublin 16