Justice Minister (): I am today announcing
the publication of the Family Information Guide for families
bereaved by murder and manslaughter abroad.
I recognise how deeply distressing and traumatic such events are
and the Government is committed to ensuring such victims can
access the help they need. This guidance sets out the support
available from agencies and specialist services in England or
Wales.
Until now, there has been no single, victim-oriented guide, which
has often led to challenges for families in understanding what is
available to them. This new guidance consolidates existing
information as to the services available to support families and
signposts support in a way that is clear and accessible. Through
this guidance, we aim to improve awareness as to the support
available, offering reassurance to families at a difficult time.
The guidance sets out:
- What families can expect in the immediate aftermath of a
death abroad, including initial contact and support from agencies
in England and Wales;
- The ongoing support available to family members to help them
through this difficult time and which meets their individual
needs. This includes access to emotional support, legal guidance,
financial assistance and referrals to specialist services.
- The roles and responsibilities of agencies and support
services with which families may engage with, in order to ensure
families understand who is involved, what each agency does and
how they can help.
- Clear information as to how to access services and what to
expect at each stage of the process.
I am grateful for the commitment of Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office, Home Office and the National Police Chiefs
Council in preparing this guidance.
I also wish to thank the Victims' Commissioner's Office and the
charity Murdered Abroad for their invaluable support in making
this guidance as helpful as possible for victims and for their
continued commitment to improving services for bereaved families.
I pay tribute to the late , whose advocacy for
families bereaved by murder and manslaughter abroad was
instrumental in shaping this guidance.
The guidance will be available online, at: Murder and manslaughter abroad:
family information guide - GOV.UK
