Group provides vital support for homicide victims
It's hard to contemplate how you would go on if your sister was brutally stabbed to death and, four months later, your father was murdered as a result of an ensuing custody dispute over her daughter.
For Jonty Bush, chief executive officer of the Queensland Homicide Victims' Support Group (QHVSG), this nightmare was reality. But eight years on, she has found the strength to move forward by ensuring others who face the same horror are fully supported throughout their ordeal.
"The group is the sole provider of support for families that are living in the aftermath of homicide," Jonty says.
"With a homicide there is a degree of shock. It's sudden, unexpected, violent and deliberate, and often, families witness the event.
"When a homicide occurs, not only has the immediate victim suffered, but there is a ripple effect onto the family, neighbours, friends, colleagues and the community at large."
Jonty says the type of help needed in the aftermath of homicide ranges from 24-hour telephone support to crime scene clean up.
"It's vital that those who are suffering are able to ring up at any time, without having to book an appointment. Our 1800 support line is managed by staff and trained volunteers. A lot of staff and volunteers have lost a loved one and are available to offer peer support," she says.
"Immediate support is important. With grief, you can’t predict what is going to happen. You could be out driving and suddenly hear a song that puts the person back into the event."
The gruesome reality of homicide is that it often takes place in the home, leaving the family to deal with the crime scene and having to find alternative accommodation during the investigation. This process can go on for days and the QHVSG helps families access a free respite facility in Brisbane provided by the group. Outside of Brisbane, the group works with families to find accommodation and then liaises on their behalf with the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, which reimburses costs.
"There are a lot of major issues and organisations to deal with such as Queensland Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions and Centrelink. For many families it's just a lot of lingo so we help coordinate all the agencies and explain why things are happening and what options are available," Jonty explains.
The QHVSG was founded in 1995 when five North Queensland families united to address the lack of assistance and support for families that had experienced the loss of a loved one through murder. At the time, there were no specific government services or community groups available so families were isolated and alone during an extremely intense and incredibly painful time.
Jonty says those left behind after a homicide experience grief, shock and physical numbness. Although they will have difficulty communicating and functioning, some families are faced with serious decisions at this time.
"If a person has been assaulted and is on life support, the family might be asked to turn off the machine. Often the family is not emotionally in a position to make such decisions and appreciate having someone there to help them make an informed choice. It’s important they don't look back and feel resentful about their decision."
There is also the funeral to be arranged. But it doesn't necessarily end there. Contrary to the neatly packaged, hour long cases that are solved on popular television programs such as CSI, cases and court proceedings can go on for years, causing families to relive the ordeal over and over.
The QHVSG is also there to help the family through the legal process — including the committal hearing, trial and sentencing — and will help them prepare victim impact statements. Then there are other issues to consider such as dealing with the media, finding out the family’s rights and accessing compensation.
Jonty says the group is there the entire time to help smooth out the process.
"My daughter lost a brother, I lost a son and my husband lost a mate"
Such support was invaluable for Michael and Gillian Croke when their son Brendan was murdered on Good Friday in 2001.
"The police turned up at 3.30 am … they came to tell us Brendan had been viciously assaulted and died at the scene," Gillian recalls.
Thanks to DNA found at the scene, the murderer was charged three months later and given a life sentence for what the judge described as a "senseless murder". The inspector dealing with the case told Gillian and her family about the QHVSG.
"The group then rang us … you don't know what happens and what is in front of you. They helped us through the many meetings as they had been there and could tell us what was happening," Gillian says.
Gillian says, despite her son's murderer receiving a life sentence, she and her family have also been given a life sentence.
"My daughter lost a brother, I lost a son and my husband lost a mate," she says. "You don't have a life … you look at things in a different light."
Eight years on, Gillian, similar to Jonty Bush, is finding strength in helping other victims. She attends court with them and helps them through the process. "No-one expects to be in that situation. Once you tell them that it has happened to you they can relate to you better," she says.
"The person I was with today said the group does a wonderful job. The woman, whose husband and son had been murdered, was so appreciative of someone just being there and sitting with them."
For more information visit www.qhvsg.org.au or phone 1800 774 744.
Jonty Bush (pictured) received the 2009 Young Australian of The Year Award in recognition of the strength and courage that has kept her going and allowed her to help others deal with their grief. The compassion and understanding Jonty shows others has brought her recognition among members of the police force and the legal fraternity. She has led the push for a review of the laws surrounding murder and manslaughter, and as a result the Queensland Law Reform Commission is undertaking such a review.
She also developed the One Punch Can Kill campaign, which has been adopted by the Queensland Government in an attempt to prevent further tragedies. In all that she does Jonty shows others how to cope with their day-today lives after a tragedy, and helps them build a future for themselves despite their loss.
The QHVSG is predominantly funded by the Department of Communities and is seeking corporate partners to help the group deliver alcohol education programs and provide additional staffing throughout the state.