Steps to Take When You Lose a Loved One to Violence

Losing a loved one to violence is a different experience than losing someone in another way. There are circumstances that accompany a violent death that are unique and that are difficult to anticipate until it happens to you. From trauma cleanup in Orlando to finding emotional support, here are steps you can take in the aftermath of a loved one’s violent death.

Hire Crime Scene Cleaners

As soon as the crime scene has been processed by the police, hire crime scene cleaners to restore the place to normal. Crime scene cleaning can be dangerous for non-professionals because of the biohazard waste and the difficulty of thoroughly cleaning a scene without professional tools. Having the crime scene cleaned can also be a first step towards dealing with the issue. When the scene of the crime no longer shows any trace of what happened, you can begin to retake ownership of the space.

Seek Support

There are support groups for people who have lost loved ones to violence in most cities that can help you deal with the emotions you are feeling. It can be helpful to hear from other people who have experienced the same thing as you, and it can be comforting to see that other people have gone on with their lives in the wake of this kind of tragedy. The police may be able to refer you to a group, or consider talking to your doctor. Your crime scene cleaning company may also be able to offer advice, as they are accustomed to meeting families in these situations.

Work with The Police

After a loved one dies violently, there is a natural interest in knowing who committed the crime and why. If there was not a person immediately charged with the violence against your loved one, develop a positive relationship with the police who are working the case. You may have information that is useful to them, and hearing about the work they are doing can be comforting to you.