When people experience a traumatic event, they often remember how they were made to feel rather than what was said. Experiencing the death of a loved one can be the most difficult and painful event a person can endure. While the death itself is final, the grief felt by their loved ones will continuously change and evolve. Family dynamics, relationships, and human nature are complex, thus, working with the bereaved cannot be simple or routine.
Those of us who have the privilege to support the bereaved understand how delicate and complicated this work can be. We recognize the importance of a trauma-informed approach, the use of best practices, and the necessity of individualized care. Every person’s grief is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not suffice in such sensitive situations. Tailoring support to meet the specific needs of the individual not only enhances the healing process but also fosters trust within our communities.
Supporting the bereaved can be an overwhelming task for the professionals responsible for investigating the death. Integrating victim advocates into the process will improve outcomes for families and loved ones. Whether working on criminal or non-criminal cases, advocates play a crucial role in death investigations and notifications, providing essential support to families where they otherwise would not receive it. Victim advocates’ specialized training and thorough understanding of trauma allows them to help clients navigate their experiences, locate affordable and accessible resources, and manage the “little things” that arise. Advocates facilitate the flow of information, ensuring that questions are answered while allowing investigators to focus on gathering information. This natural buffer preserves the integrity of the investigation while upholding the dignity of the victim and survivors.
Meeting people where they are and leading with kindness, patience, and respect not only makes this traumatic experience slightly more bearable for the griever, but also strengthens investigations. Loved ones are relying on medicolegal professionals to provide guidance and information with empathy and compassion in their greatest moment of need. Using advocates and providing care that is personalized to the individual's circumstances ensures that we honor their unique journey through grief, ultimately helping them feel seen, heard, and supported.
Detailed Learning Objectives
- Attendees will learn how using a trauma informed approach when working with the bereaved is beneficial for everyone.
- Attendees will hear about how treating death as simple and routine will negatively impact the relationships your agency has with your community.
- Attendees will understand why victim advocates are a valuable and uniquely trained asset on any investigative team.