In Ohio, there is currently no minimum standard of care and service for co-victims of homicide. Yet, losing a loved one to homicide can be deeply traumatic, isolating, and overwhelming. Homicide can leave co-victims scared for their safety, worried about their financial future, and deeply grieving the loss of their loved one and the memories they shared. At the same time, co-victims are expected to navigate complicated systems, often with little to no guidance.

The Needs Assessment. In 2020, OVWA, in collaboration with partners throughout the state and with grant support, conducted a landmark needs assessment of services and needs of homicide co-victims. The results of this needs assessment were both telling and staggering in the scope of barriers that exist for both co-victims seeking services and recovery in the aftermath of a homicide, and for the providers that serve them. The needs assessment provides several key policy recommendations that we hope will be helpful to service providers. Read the report.

The Best Practice Guide. In 2023, OVWA published Trauma-Informed Services for Co-Victims of Homicide: A Best Practice Guide for Criminal Justice Professionals and Allied Partners. This comprehensive best practice guide provides a nuanced but practical look at some of the common experiences of co-victims and how to best support the loved ones of a homicide victim. Read the guide.

Direct Services for Co-Victims. In 2026, OVWA launched the Ohio Homicide Co-Victim Helpline, a free, confidential resource for those who have been impacted by homicide. The Helpline is a non-emergency resource that connects individuals with victim advocates trained in crisis response and trauma-informed care. Accompanying this launch is a robust resource library for co-victims who are looking for help but not ready to connect with an advocate. Explore the resources.

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