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Accidents, homicide and suicides are the leading causes of death among 15-24 year olds in the United States with the incidence of violent death a major concern in countries around the world. In an increasingly dangerous and uncertain society our children will likely encounter violent death before reaching adulthood, many during their impressionable and vulnerable adolescent years.
Alison Salloum, LCSW
Project LAST, New Orleans, LA
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A Testimonial, by Jill
by Jill, one of the program's participants
Although there are several individuals and agencies that advertise services for victims of violent loss, I personally found that not one of them offered group therapy at the time of my need. As I have mention many times, I counseled with therapist that were trained in grief counseling, yet not one of them knew how to deal with grief related to violent loss. I left feeling betrayed and frustrated.
SOVLP offers trauma and separation therapy in a group setting facilitated by a professional staff that are also victims of violent loss. Through a ten week therapy program the co-victim learns to process many of the horrific aspects of their loved ones violent death ending with a presentation of their life and a shared memento which represents some part of their life. The peace and healing this brings is unmeasureable.
The Survivors Club, an informal gathering of co-victims, meets once a month and is dedicated to the idea that our grief must be shared. Together, we share our stories, our pain, our grief, knowing each and every person understands the true impact our loss has had on our life.
Through SOVLP we are able to transcend from co-victim to survivor and in the process keep our loved ones spirit and memory alive.
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