Finding Support after Homicide

Finding some extra support at this time could help ease the journey. Many people bereaved by homicide say that while they appreciated help early on, they also needed support later.

We are here for you 24/7
Our Support Workers can provide families, whānau, and friends bereaved by homicide with personal and practical support, for as long as you need it. We also support witnesses to the crime. You can call us 24/7 on 0800 842 846 to be connected with a Support Worker.

Our support is completely free and confidential, and available throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Support Workers can support you with:

someone to listen, talk with, and support you to cope through trauma and loss
help to understand your rights and make informed choices
information and help to answer your questions
help to access local support services and counselling to suit your situation
practical support and assistance to deal with things like funeral and coronial processes
someone to assist and support you at court trials, hearings, and dealing with police and other government agencies
help to prepare Victim Impact Statements and other important documentation
financial assistance for victims of homicide to assist your general costs, recovery, and participation in the justice process

We are committed to providing quality support to strengthen the mana and well-being of all those affected by homicide.

If English is your second language
If you require support in your first language, Victim Support can use Ezispeak to connect with an interpreter over the phone. Call us on 0800 842 846 and let us know. We will try to match you to a Support Worker who speaks your language.

Below is some information on other areas of support you may need now or in the future. Click on the boxes below to find out more. You can also talk with your Support Worker about other kinds of support you may need.

Support for children or young people

Our information sheet, After a homicide - Supporting grieving children and young people provides helpful information on how you can provide good support and help safeguard their well-being and ease their journey through grief. You can download a copy of this at the bottom of this page.

Please also call us 24/7 on 0800 842 846 to be connected with a Support Worker, or for information about local child and youth support options.

Your doctor

See your doctor if you’re concerned about any ongoing reactions that are making daily life or work difficult; sleep problems, eating problems, illness or troubling health condition, high levels of anxiety, distressing flashbacks, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Encourage others facing these kinds of issues to see their doctor too.
Find a local doctor (Mental Health Foundation)

Your employer

Ask your employer about any workplace support available such as bereavement leave, EAP services (Employee Assistance Programmes), or discretionary leave.

Counselling

Your Support Worker can let you know about free counselling support available to those bereaved by homicide. Many find counselling helpful, even long after their loss. It helps people work through difficult reactions and complicated issues in a safe and useful way.
Find a local counsellor (Mental Health Foundation)

Grief support groups

You could see if there is a bereavement support group in your area. Your Support Worker can help you find this information.

You could also look out for bereavement support groups on Facebook, but always check they are well moderated before joining them.

Social service agencies and community groups

Consider linking up with a local support agency, church or faith centre, marae or cultural centres, a local community centre, a social worker, community worker, or youth worker. If your financial situation is challenging, there might also be a food bank or a helpful budgeting service available.

Ask around for local suggestions or use this online directory to find what support services might be available to meet your needs:

Family Services website
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) - visit your an office in your area, or phone them on 0800 367 222.

Community Law for free legal advice

Contact your nearest community law centre for free legal advice, or go to their website for helpful information.

Go to the Community Law Centre website.

Skylight

Skylight is a national charity supporting children, young people, families, and whānau through trauma, loss, and grief. Call weekdays 0800 299 100. Ask for a free personalised pack of support information for your family’s situation. They also provide counselling services.

Go to the Skylight website.

Your local library

Ask a librarian for any books or other resources that might support you and help you to cope with grief, loss, or trauma. They may also have suggestions for books that could provide helpful support for teens and children.

Helplines

There are many free helplines to call or text.

For a list of helplines to call.

These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless otherwise specified.

Other useful information and websites

Victim Support publishes a regular newsletter 'Connections' for for family/whānau and friends affected by homicide. You can access past copies of this newsletter on our News and Stories page here.

Support Services New Zealand Directory (New Zealand Government)

Victim Support has developed a helpful information handbook for those affected by homicide, in partnership with Skylight. You can see a PDF version of it here or ask your Support Worker for a printed copy.