Interventions for child and adolescent survivors of intrafamilial homicide: A review of the literature

Abstract

The nature of intrafamilial homicide is complex and traumatic. Child survivors are at significant risk for maladjustment, including negative psychological sequela, grief complications, and contextual challenges associated with the homicide. Thus, children may benefit from services addressing specific psychosocial challenges following intrafamilial homicide. In this paper, we review the literature to identify trauma- and grief-informed interventions implemented for youth following violent bereavement. Given limited research on this vulnerable population, we discuss interventions that show promise for child survivors, exploring specific needs, challenges, and potential implications of these interventions for treating children and families experiencing intrafamilial homicide bereavement.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare no conflict of interest pertaining to this work.

Additional information

Funding

This work was produced by Alyssa A. Rheingold, Ph.D. of the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center under Grant [2016-XV-GX-K021], awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.