Annual Report 2014 - 2015

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Supporting Families The Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group’s primary focus is and will always remain the support of families bereaved by homicide. Who Are We Representing? Over the years as we build relationships with our families, we are often called upon to support and advocate for families within a range of contexts including, Centrelink, Housing Commission, Department of Communities for custodial and family court matters, child protection and solicitors for Wills and estate matters. QHVSG recognizes that many people are affected from each new homicide, and that it’s not only the immediate family who suffer. Because of this, QHVSG’s Mission Statement outlines our support to anyone who identifies as having lost a loved one to homicide. This often includes extended family, friends, colleagues and/or neighbors. In the 2014-2015 financial year, QHVSG sadly welcomed 599 new members through our doors. Geographic Distribution Monitoring where families reside, and the evolving patterns, helps QHVSG identify areas of service growth including location of support group meetings. Following a homicide we will often see families’ emotional health and financial security spiral down as the full impact of the trauma and grief is realized and other daily matters are left unattended. It is at this time our relationship with the family assist with support and practical information in the many needy areas such as; employment, finance, mental and physical health, family structure and support, friendships and peer groups, housing and an individual’s general ability to cope with the daily pressures of life. Phone Support Relationships Whilst the QHVSG’s focus is on homiciderelated issues, the reality is that homicide is rarely the sole issue affecting families. QHVSG’s free-call twenty-four hour phone support service is by far, the most utilized by families. Families who are grieving, experiencing crisis, in need of referrals, seeking advice, or simply a shoulder to cry on, can call anytime of the day or evening, and trust they are speaking to a trained staff member or volunteer of whom most have experienced the anguish of homicide themselves. 21 Annual Report 2014-2015
Court Support This has been a very busy year for the Court Support Volunteers with 281 episodes of care. Our members are supported emotionally throughout the legal mine-field which comes as a result of homicide. Whilst we do not offer legal advice, we are there for our members when they are required to give evidence or sitting with them throughout the trial offering support and an easy ear for listening. Throughout the past year, we have supported many families throughout trials. Trials do not, unfortunately, go the way wished for by some of our members and it can be an extremely emotional time. Our Court support volunteers are from across the state. Special mention must go to Ellie Kelly in Far North QLD, Owen Pontin in Toowoomba and Monique Ferrario from the Gold Coast. Additionally, in the metropolitan area, People like Gillian Croke have given many days of their time to our members. Also assisting in court support have been several of our Practicum students who have availed themselves of the opportunity to learn about the legal process and also connect with our members. Several of the students have reported feeling that after spending time in court they have a new appreciation of some of what our members experience and as a result of this have further developed their communication skills. Support Group Meetings The essence of ‘peer support’ is encapsulated in the unique experience of QHVSG’s support group meetings. Enabling families to come together to meet, share views and experiences, and help guide each other through the rocky path ahead. Many of our families state that simply meeting another person who has lost a loved one, offers great comfort in knowing that they are not alone. This year has seen a growth in new support meetings in Cairns, Springfield, Caboolture, Maroochydore and Mackay. While the Gold Coast grows from strength to strength and Toowoomba continues to flourish. Outreach Visits It is always our aim, where possible, to meet with the newly bereaved family in their home, and to provide an insight into our group, helping to personalise future telephone support calls made by our team following the initial home visit. Following the devastation of homicide, many families are in dire need of practical information regarding what is ahead, their rights concerning the investigation and the media, and put simply, a helping hand, someone to share their pain and their grief. Memorial Services QHVSG’s successful annual Memorial Services held though out Queensland, again offered a unique opportunity for families to come together, meet others who have experienced the anguish of homicide, and share stories, information and suggestions on their healing experience and recover. 22 Annual Report 2014-2015
Page 1 and 2: Annual Report 2014-2015
Page 3 and 4: OUR CORE VALUES We are committed to
Page 5 and 6: QHVSG Team Board of Management 2014
Page 7 and 8: to be reckoned with in the communit
Page 9 and 10: “Slammed” which is a compilatio
Page 11 and 12: Over the years that follow, QHVSG e
Page 13 and 14: Those in Support Paula Starmer Debo
Page 15 and 16: Soraya Seklaoui inspiration to make
Page 17 and 18: I look forward to continuing to dev
Page 19 and 20: time to support our members at our
Page 21: Scott Furlong Tina Good Sherrie Mey
Page 25 and 26: Community Presentations This year,
Page 27 and 28: Volunteers - Non Victim Catherine A
Page 29 and 30: McInnes Wilson McInnes Wilson Lawye
Page 31 and 32: ASSETS Petty Cash on hand $ 300.00

Annual Report 2014 - 2015

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