Homicide support group helps victims of crime
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The first 24 hours after a crime are critical.
Police are busy searching for witnesses, evidence and leads.
For the victims, the whirlwind of funeral arrangements and court dates is just beginning.
"I was living in a fog the first 24 hours," said Andrea Long.
Andrea Long has lived it.
Her two sons, Terry Long and Josh Davis, were murdered during a fight one hot Summer night nearly three years ago.
That day sent her on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
"Angry, hurt, disgusted, giving up on yourself," said Long.
Not knowing where to turn or how to navigate the system, Long took to the streets to ease her grief.
She rallied, held vigils and marches.
She stayed busy as the court dates for her sons' killer stretched on.
A year later, hope came in the form of CMPD's newly created homicide support group.
Finally, Long had the support of others who had walked in her shoes.
"When somebody tells you they know what you're going through, they know how your day is, they actually do," said Long.
The group is led by Homicide Support Specialist Martine Highet.
Twenty volunteers rotate on-call shifts to be on stand-by for the next crime victim.
"We'll just go over 'this is what's going to happen, and this is who's going to call you'," said Highet.
It's her job to let victims know they're not alone.
"A lot of victims out there, they don't even know the rights that they have," said Highet.
But Long does know her rights.
She's been there and now she shares her advice with newer members of the group.
"People have the right to be at every hearing, know who the District Attorney is handling the case, talk to the DA," said Long.
It took 2 years before the teen who killed her sons was convicted.
The three year anniversary of their murders is just weeks away.
She still has her days, but when times are tough she knows exactly where to turn.
"You have an excellent support group downtown, waiting on you, to receive you, embrace you to help you to walk this walk," said Long.
To learn more about CMPD's Homicide Support Group, contact Martine Highet at 704-557-6957 or email her at mhighet@cmpd.org.
In honor of national crime victims rights week, CMPD will hold an event on Saturday, April 28th at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department / Fire Training Academy located at 1770 Shopton Road.
A schedule of events is listed below:
Saturday, April 28, 2012
10:00- 12:00
- Victim service agencies and providers will display resources
Available to victims of crime.
Representatives from several specialized units within the CMPD will be on hand to answer questions for the public.
12:00- 2:00
- Distinguished speakers from CMPD, Mr. Andrew Murray, District Attorney's office and Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon highlighting the Victims Rights' Movement in Charlotte, NC
2:00- 2:15
- Introduction of the Homicide Support Group DVD
2:30 – 4:00 Long Term Grief: Living the Marathon
- Presentation from Bill Jenkins , Author of:
" What to Do When the Police Leave: A Guide to the First Days of Traumatic Loss"
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