Coping with bereavement after murder and manslaughter

A need for vengeance, anger and feelings of injustice can lead to much lengthier periods of mourning when someone is murdered than after a death due to natural causes. A nationwide network of psychologists has therefore developed a treatment that not only focuses on dealing with the loss of a loved one, but also with the violent nature of their passing. Clinical psychologist Mariëtte van Denderen is investigating the effectiveness of the treatment programme. Her research has also received funding from Fonds Slachtofferhulp (Victims Aid Fund).

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