The annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims will be held Saturday, September 25th, 2010, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, co-hosted by the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC) and Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) and funded by The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). 

From 1--5 PM, professionals from homicide support organizations from around the nation will join with those who have lost a loved one to homicide for "Supporting Survivors: A Forum for Discussion” to explore issues survivors face and ways the victim services and allied fields can effectively meet the needs of survivors.

At 5:30--7 PM, the day will culminate with the ceremonial unveiling of the “Murder Wall…Honoring Their Memories,” a powerful exhibit provided by POMC inscribed with the names of thousands of murder victims.

Survivors and professionals alike are welcome to attend the daytime Forum, the evening Ceremony, or both events. 

This event honors the lives of those taken by violence; publicly recognizes the impact of homicide on their surviving family members and friends; and pays tribute to those organizations that work with and provide services to survivors of homicide victims. Remember.  Remind.  Respect. 

For questions, please call 301-952-0063 or 1-877-VICTIM-1 (toll free)

Forum breakout session descriptions:

1. Family Relationship Dynamics Following a Homicide

Remember – homicide creates trauma and devastating consequences to a wide circle of individuals, from family members and friends, to schools and communities, and to our nation as a whole

Remind – individuals and communities of the challenges and barriers faced by parents, spouses, children, and siblings

Respect – understand the importance of identifying and addressing the mental health needs of survivors

2. The Roles of Law Enforcement and Survivors of Homicide Victims

Remember – the interdependence between law enforcement and survivors

Remind – barriers to productive interaction and the benefits that result from proactive, positive interactions

Respect – mutual understanding of the roles and responsibilities as well as needs by survivors and law enforcement

3. Services and Rights of Survivors Assist in Justice

Remember – the requirements of laws and benefits of services to survivors

Remind – the benefits of appropriate treatment of survivors and their need for justice

Respect – following the law and understanding the need for full compliance of comprehensive rights & services for survivors

This document was produced by the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) under grant number 2010-VF-GX-0001 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.