Support for families of murder victims
There are organisations that can give you support and advice if someone close to you has died because of a violent crime.
Your police contact
You'll be introduced to a Family Liaison Officer (FLO). These are specially trained police officers.
They will:
- gather information from you and other family members about the person who died
- pass your information on to the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)
- act as a point of contact between you and the SIO
- keep you updated throughout the investigation
They'll also:
- help with immediate tasks, such as identifying the body
- put you in contact with support organisations, like Victim Support Scotland, with your consent
- give you advice and guidance about the criminal justice system
- help you manage any contact with the media
Victim Information and Advice
If the investigation leads to criminal charges, you may be introduced to a Victim Information and Advice officer.
They'll update you on the progress of the case and put you in contact with support organisations.
Support organisations
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland can help support people bereaved or affected by murder.
Your FLO can put you in touch with a local Victim Support Scotland office. Or you can contact Victim Support Scotland directly.
They can give you:
- emotional support – by giving access to counselling or support groups
- practical support – by helping with housing arrangements or taking you to the police station
- support at court – by arranging somewhere private for you to arrive or wait for a hearing
They also offer specialised support to families through their Support for Families Bereaved by Crime service.
Website
Phone
0800 160 1985
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Calls to 0800 numbers are free
PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss)
PETAL support families and friends of murder and suicide victims through telephone counselling. They provide a drop-in centre in Hamilton and outreach programmes in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Website
Phone
01698 324 502
Find out about call charges on GOV.UK
The Manda Centre
The Manda Centre offer support to anyone affected by murder through:
- counselling
- holistic therapies
- support groups
Website
Phone
01698 328 724
Find out about call charges on GOV.UK
Guidance for bereaved families
The gov.scot website has guidance on:
- how the police, procurator fiscal and courts work
- some of the arrangements you may have to make, such as registering the death and organising the funeral
- the help and support available to you