Support for Survivors of Murder-Suicide

You are not invisible. You are not alone.

The Georgia Commission on Family Violence provides support, resources, and referrals to survivors of domestic violence murder-suicide in Georgia. In addition, we provide training, technical assistance, and resources to communities and constituents for the purpose of strategically implementing innovative systematic changes based on the findings and recommendations of the project.

A domestic violence murder-suicide occurs when a person kills one or more victims, including a current or former intimate partner, and then commits suicide. Most domestic violence murder-suicides occur in the home, and sometimes children are present or are witness to the death(s) of their parent(s). Every year in Georgia, there are an average of 20 domestic violence murder-suicides, leaving behind hundreds of family members and friends.

A murder-suicide can shatter the equilibrium in your life. Losing a loved one, particularly in a sudden and violent manner, can be traumatic. For many, losing two loved ones at the same time in such a manner can exacerbate and complicate the grieving process. Following a murder-suicide, families and friends may be confronted with several situations which they may find overwhelming. You may be asked to speak with law enforcement, identify the bodies of the deceased, talk with the media, visit the crime scene, arrange for the crime scene to be cleaned, prepare for the funeral(s), claim the personal effects of the deceased, and handle their estate.

You are not invisible, and you are not alone in your journey to healing.

Requesting Additional Support or Information

The Support for Survivors of Murder-Suicide (SSMS) Project is continually working to provide the best possible resources and support to survivors in the State of Georgia and beyond. If you would like more information on current and new resources either for yourself or someone you're supporting, please complete the SSMS Website Inquiry Form and a member of our staff will follow-up regarding your request.

GCFV provides a brochure titled, Download this pdf file. Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence Murder-Suicide . The brochure is available to order for individuals or agencies. Please call us to place an order.