POMC makes the difference through on-going emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy, and awareness.
To provide support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims while working to create a world free of murder.
Membership is open to those who have been cruelly bereaved by the murder of a loved one. Professionals who are in frequent contact with grieving families are also welcome to join.
POMC local Chapters hold monthly meetings, provide a telephone network of support, supply information about the grief process, organize a speakers bureau and provide accompaniment for survivors who attend court proceedings. Many Chapters publish their own newsletter.
In areas where there are not enough members to sustain a Chapter, contact persons provide much of the same level of support.
Most meetings begin with introductions and each survivor telling of his/her loss. Often there is a topic to guide discussions such as the grief process, the criminal justice system or favorite memories. Usually meetings revolve around group member's own knowledge and experiences but occasionally outside speakers are invited to present information and to learn from survivors.
One member said "In the meetings, people are so supportive, you don't have to be afraid to say what you feel. No one is there to judge your feelings or to persuade you to think differently."
A reporter described a meeting in Wisconsin: "These mothers and fathers talked about their feelings of anger, hopelessness, bitterness and their seemingly endless grief. No one told them 'Forget about it' or 'You should be over that by now'.
As members help one another by sharing experiences, feelings and insights and by allowing others to do the same, their grief is somehow lessened. |
