Resources for Surviving Family Members
The following list includes resources that are for surviving family members of homicide victims. The list is based on information I gathered while desperately completing hours of research - often overnight while the rest of the world was sleeping.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services
The Missing and Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) investigates missing and murdered cases in pursuit of justice for those impacted by violence. (Note: as previously mentioned, the case must meet the criteria for federal jurisdiction)
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation MMIW Liaison
Special Agent Dale Fine (918) 582-9075 or you may email: Idaslaw@osbi.ok.gov
Please note that unless the initial investigating agency requests assistance of OSBI, including the MMIW Liaison Office, the OSBI and MMIW Liaison Office cannot assist in your loved one's case. We learned this the hard way.
The Sovereign Bodies Institute
Provides support services to Indigenous Survivors of violence and MMIWG2 families on a as requested, limited basis. (Includes legal and media advocacy, pushing a case forward and free teletherapy for Indigenous survivors of violence and MMIP families - limited slots available)
The Office for Victims of Crime
The Office for Victims of Crime is committed to enhancing the Nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and to providing leadership in changing attitudes, policies, and practices to promote justice and healing for all victims of crime.
Victim Connect Resource Center (VCRC)
The Victim Connect Resource Center (VCRC) is a weekday phone, chat, and text-based referral helpline operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime. Services are available for all victims of crime in the United States and its territories.
Tribal Resource Tool
The Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice has funded the National Center for Victims of Crime, National Congress of American Indians, Tribal Law and Policy Institute, and StrongHearts Native Helpline to create a web-based resource mapping tool that:
provides a listing of all services available for AI/AN survivors of crime and abuse and
identifies gaps in victim services so those can be addressed
(NOTE: This tool does not identify tribal resources specifically for Native homicide victims and their families. Native resources listed include all crimes but homicide.)
Stronghearts Native Helpline
The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.
Project Cold Case
Project Cold Case is a not-for-profit organization with an ambitious goal of publicizing all unsolved homicides in the United States while linking information, families, and law enforcement, and ultimately helping to solve cold cases.
The Dougy Center
Whether you’re grieving, or you’re helping someone who is grieving, the Dougy Center is here for you. Find tip sheets, activities, podcasts, and more through their personalized toolkits.
The Canadian Victims of Crime Resource Center
Crime Victims Compensation
Victims of crime or surviving families of victims of crime may be entitled to Crime Victims' Rights based on state law. Search Crime Victims' Rights for your state to determine if your state offers crime victims' rights based on state law. This could include compensation for missed work, burial, and crime scene cleanup costs.
In Oklahoma, the Crime Victims Compensation may also includes:
Reimbursement in traditional healing or burial ceremonies for American Indian victims of crime and family members of American Indian homicide victims: 1) traditional native counseling and healing from an elder or spiritual healer, minister, pastor, or faith-based counselor; 2) sweat lodge and smudging ceremonies; 3) ceremonial burials, including clothing for the deceased, meals/food baskets and other expenses related to the traditional giveaway or gifting practices of the Tribe; 4) child care during burial ceremony; 5) reimbursement of gifts to individuals for the performance of service (i.e. quilts, cooking, etc.). In order for reimbursement of these expenses, receipts must be provided with the item’s purpose clearly noted on the receipt. The maximum allowable for burial related expenses, including gifting, is $7,500. The maximum allowable for healing services is $3,000 for the injured victim. The maximum for healing services for each family member after a homicide is also $3,000. The maximum award for all services compensated through the Crime Victims Compensation Program may not exceed $25,000. If requesting reimbursement for healing or burial ceremonies, please also complete the “Request for Traditional American Indian Services” form located at:
Parents of Murdered Children
In need of a second opinion? Parents of Murdered Children is an organization that not only lists resources for parent and sibling grief, they also may be able to review your case. POMC has a panel of volunteer experts that may be able to review your case and offer additional findings or suggestions to you and your investigator through their Second Opinion Services. See the link below for the two-page form and list of documents needed to submit a case for consideration.
National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
NAME provides a list of medical examiners that conduct second autopsies, forensic autopsies as well as expert witness services and other services. Fees depend on types of services needed. To learn more contact one of the NAME members listed on the link below: