Postcard Pointers: Homicide Grief
When responding to youth impacted by homicide grief there is often a series of complex factors contributing to these moments of human connection & support. As a caregiver, frontline worker, support professional, or camp partner – we recognize the need for resources that can be easily referenced and shared. Designed by Eluna’s diligent programmatic teams, we are proud to present these pocket-size postcard pointers with top tips from the field of bereavement support.
You are welcome to print the Homicide Grief postcard pointers and distribute freely or you can purchase a set of pre-printed postcards from Eluna to be shipped directly to you or a community organization.
Homicide Grief
Pointers:
- Reassure youth that it isn’t their fault & they are not alone
- Tell the truth using simple terms, “Someone hurt ____ and they died. It can be difficult to understand why someone would cause harm like this. What questions are coming up for you?”
- Reestablish youth safety & create a list of safe people & places
- Embrace feelings without judgment (anger, guilt, shame, etc.)
- Recognize potential for trauma response or prolonged grief
- Consider peer support groups & grief camps, such as Camp Erin
- Welcome questions, concerns & LISTEN! LISTEN! LISTEN!
Things to Avoid:
- Empty reassurances, such as “All things happen for a reason” or “It is going to be OK”
- Rushing the grief process or trying to fix it – It is ok to not be ok
- Telling someone how to feel or cope, such as “Be strong” or “At least….”
- Assuming all homicide grief is the same – let youth share their experiences
- Exposure to graphic content via media & adult conversations
- Imposing viewpoints, placing blame or trying to make sense of the death
Click here to see the full postcard pointer series
This resource and all materials contained therein are the property of eluna and its licensors and are protected by intellectual property laws. You shall not remove, destroy, replace, or modify any proprietary rights notices or markings from all or any portion of this resource or any copy thereof, including, without limitation, any trademarks, trade names, trade dress, service marks, logos or other similar branding material and any copyright notices. You shall not place any proprietary rights notices or markings or other branding material on all or any portion of this resource or any copy thereof without the express prior written consent of Eluna.
