About National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week
Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is a yearly event sponsored by the Department of Justice Canada to raise awareness about issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services, programs, and laws in place to help them and their families. The BC Victims of Homicide, a subsidiary program of the BC Bereavement Helpline, is proud to be hosting this website and our Power of Community Online Panel Discussion event to commemorate the week.
About B.C. Victims of Homicide
BC Victims of Homicide (BCVOH) is a program founded in 2011 by the BC Bereavement Helpline in response to the need for a bereavement support program specifically for survivors of homicide. BCVOH offers support to relatives and friends of homicide victims in the form of safe, unique 8-week guided support groups, training programs, advocacy and connection. Through the BC Bereavement Helpline (BCBH), we also offer compassionate listening, information and resources for family members, friends or caregivers coping with a homicide loss.
Programs
Panelists
Jessica Lowe, Moderator
Executive Director, BC Bereavement Helpline
Dr. Alana Abramson
Faculty, Department of Criminology for Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Trista McIver
Homicide Survivor
Dawn Armstrong and Danny Sandhu
Homicide Survivors
Jasmine Bhambra
Homicide Survivor, Grief Yoga Practioner
Cathy Riddle
Program Manager, Boundary Regional Victim/Witness Program
The Power of Community
During this panel discussion, conversation will revolve around what the community can do to support each other in the aftermath of a homicide. Perspectives from professionals, support workers and homicide survivors will share their experiences – both good and bad – as to how community can rebound from this traumatic loss instead of becoming more isolated.
About BCBH
The BC Bereavement Helpline (BCBH) was established in 1988 and is committed to being a provincial leader in the service, education, advocacy and research of dying, death and bereavement. The BC Victims of Homicide (BCVOH) is an initiative of BCBH and is dedicated to supporting individuals who are living with the loss of a loved one to homicide.
Get Help
Our toll-free Helpline and email hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Calls and emails are answered by trained and compassionate volunteers who provide both appropriate grief support referrals and compassionate listening based on the individual’s type of loss, location, ability to pay, online access and need.
Donate
BCBH is a non-profit society and charity supported by community foundations, government grants and your generous donations. Thank you for your support.