University of Melbourne researchers have teamed up with domestic homicide victim survivors, practitioners and organisations to launch an educational children's book, aimed at improving outcomes for young people impacted by fatal family violence.
After identifying a lack of child-centred and tailored support for people bereaved by domestic homicide, University of Melbourne researchers brought together people with lived experience and professionals to develop a supportive resource.
The book titled 'What Ally Needs Now' shines a spotlight on children's experiences when a parent is murdered by their spouse or intimate partner.
Lead researcher, Dr Katitza Marinkovic Chavez said: "The book highlights the complex challenges children face when navigating life after homicide.
"Children still have little to no input on critical decisions affecting their lives such as their living arrangements and contact with the perpetrator if they are still alive.
"They may also be kept in the dark about their parent's death, with family members and support teams avoiding the subject to prevent further distress. However, research suggests that preventing children from making sense of and sharing their personal story in their own terms can worsen health, wellbeing and academic outcomes."
The warmly illustrated story is targeted towards children aged between 8-10 and chronicles the journey of a character navigating grief after fatal family violence with support from other survivors.
"The book touches on the silence and stigma that often surround domestic homicide. The story is told through the lens of survivors who wanted to share their skills and wisdom with children who are facing similar circumstances." Dr Marinkovic Chavez said.
"To our knowledge, a book of this kind does not currently exist in Australia, and possibly internationally. The book is designed to support family, therapeutic and classroom conversations about grief and healing. Our goal is to show survivors they are not alone."
'What Ally Needs Now,' written by Andrea Baldwin and illustrated by Thu Huong Nguyen, is available as a free e-book via the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare website or in print on demand.
The University of Melbourne research team has also launched an online platform on the CECFW website, housing all their evidence, lived-experience insights and resources in one place for practitioners.
