November 20 through December 20 is Homicide Survivors Awareness Month. The goal for this month is to educate the public on the experiences survivors of homicide have as a result of their violent, traumatic loss. Homicide survivors, also known as co-victims, make up a significant portion of the total number of victims of crime each year. In fact, a 2018 estimate indicates that over 64 thousand people become co-victims each year. This number is staggering - and those 64 thousand deserve to know that there are resources out there to help guide them through their loss. Here are 8 books that we think every homicide survivor - or anyone affected by homicide - should read.
1. Murder Survivor’s Handbook
This book, written by Survivors of Violent Loss Program founder Connie Saindon, is practically a how-to on the experience of losing a loved one to murder. Featuring guided questions with real survivor responses, this handbook covers a variety of topics homicide survivors might not even have considered once they started their journey, including dealing with the media and the criminal justice system. Typically a book given for a homicide support group, homicide survivors can immensely benefit from reading the handbook even if they aren’t part of a support group.
Available on Amazon
2. What to Do When the Police Leave
Another ‘how-to’ guide, William “Bill” Jenkins’ book focuses on every practical aspect a homicide survivor will need to know after being notified of their loss. After losing a loved one to homicide, the world stops - and basic tasks become difficult, but there are also other tasks that need to be completed, such as arranging a burial. These tasks are outlined by Jenkins in a way that is practical, down-to-earth and understandable even for anyone who hasn’t experienced violent loss.
Available on Amazon
3. And I Don’t Want to Live This Life
A real, honest and gripping story, Deborah Spungen takes a hard look at her own feelings of her daughter’s murder. She acknowledges the faults and downfalls of her daughter, as well as her feelings of relief intermixed with feelings of grief. This book is great for homicide survivors because it reminds them that it’s okay to acknowledge their loved one’s faults - because it makes their loved one and themselves human.
Available at Barnes and Noble
4. Dare I Call it Murder? A Memoir of Violent Loss
Larry Edwards’ memoir reminds us that there are real people behind the true crime you digest. Survivors of homicide are real people, and his book takes a look at how avoiding the reality of your loved one’s murder can lead to a variety of other issues - such as a true crime novel being written with completely infactual information or feuding factions of family. It also reminds survivors that the truth can be difficult to digest - but it’s important to face it. Despite being a memoir, Edwards’ book also calls for a greater awareness and understanding of the neurobiology of trauma, especially on the impacts of homicide survivors.
Available on Amazon
5. Scream at the Sky: Five Texas Murders & One Man’s Crusade for Justice
Written by acclaimed true crime author Carlton Stowers, Scream at the Sky takes a look at cold cases, their impact on communities and how dedicated professionals can finally bring closure to survivors of homicide. Survivors of homicide from serial murders are linked together in a way that many others do not understand - they share a type of bond unique to themselves. Stowers details the journey of finally delivering justice in an accurate portrayal unlike other true crime writers. This book is great for homicide survivors because it reminds them that there are dedicated professionals out there who will work tirelessly to bring justice and closure.
Available on Amazon
6. The Ride: A Shocking Murder & A Bereaved Father’s Journey From Rage to Redemption
Boston Globe reporter Brian MacQuarrie recounts a brutal murder in the late 1970s in Boston. The case established a movement to reinstate the death penalty - but the victim’s father ultimately became one of the largest proponents against it. This book, while haunting and sometimes unsettling, forces us to reckon with our own feelings on the matter of execution as punishment for murder. Survivors of homicide, especially those who might be heading into capital murder cases, would benefit from reading this novel.
Available on Amazon
7. Forgive for Good
While not directly tied to a homicide, Fred Luskin’s Forgive for Good has been critically acclaimed as the leading guide on learning to truly forgive. Homicide survivors grapple with extreme feelings every day - and forgiveness is not something easily done when it comes to homicide. Traumatic, violent loss is inexcusable, and Luskin’s book assists survivors in looking within to truly live a life of contentment. In fact, it features a nine-step process that will give survivors something to work through; a constant they can look to and focus on during their journey.
Available on Amazon
8. Parallel Justice for Victims of Crime
An acclaimed piece for both survivors and professionals alike, Parallel Justice proposes a new framework for providing victim services and navigating the criminal justice system. By removing victim services from hinging on criminal prosecutions, survivors can ultimately heal faster and more wholly, according to author Susan Herman. For survivors who are interested in knowing more about victims’ rights, the criminal justice field and how separating their healing from the outcome of the court case can prove beneficial to them, Herman’s book is perfect. It takes a look at restorative justice practices and challenges communities and local criminal justice systems to implement concepts of parallel justice.
Available on Barnes and Noble