Healing Wounded Hearts

Our Responsiblities to Victims and Survivors of Crime

Experts gathered on September 21, 2011 in Montebello, California to examine the needs of those most personally harmed by crime and violence; the crime victims and survivors, their families and friends. They heard of the raw impact of crime and violence on their lives, explored concrete ways we can accompany them in their grieving, and to ensure their needs are being addressed both personally and systemically, and considered opportunities for healing in the aftermath of crime in an effort to advance healing and recovery to the extent possible.

Watch video of this transfer of knowledge conference

INTRODUCTION

• Suzanne Neuhaus

SESSION 1: FACING THE UNTHINKABLE

• Ms. Helene Davis, Families & Friends of Murder Victims, Oakland
• Mr. Dick Harris, Crime Victim, St Paschal Baylon Parish, Thousand Oaks
• Ms. Luz Ruiz, Parents of Murdered Children, San Gabriel Valley Chapter

SESSION 2: ANGER AND RAGE, FEAR AND DISBELIEF, GRIEF AND MOURNING

• Ms. Jeri Elster, Violence Prevention Specialist, Crime Victim & Survivor
• Ms. Jaimee Karroll
• Fr. Joe Speiler, S.J. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

This panel explores the impact of violent trauma, the need to develop a new-normal, the relationship between experiencing trauma and engaging in destructive and violent behaviors, the conflict of unresolved grief and loss, and obstacles to mourning in the face of violent crime.

SESSION 3: HEALING OPPORTUNITIES

• Ms. Rita Chairez, Victims Coordinator ,Office of Restorative Justice, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
• Pastor Ruett Foster, Community Bible Church of Culver City, Survivor of Violent Crime

This panel considers ways to offer sound support to those healing in our midst, and present tools that may be helpful in advancing healing and recovery in the aftermath of crime (e.g., support group participation, meditation and spiritual exercises, journaling, counseling, etc.). Additionally, it presents effective ways to mobilize the community's response to crime and violence.

Video hosting courtesy of Holy Family Church on Vimeo