Support for people with lived experience wanting to connect with the Peer Network as well as other support services.
On this page:Peer NetworkSupport servicesResourcesStories and experiences
Lived experience peer network
The Family Homicide Peer Network is an informal collective of victim-survivors who have lost a family member due to fatal family violence, or who care for children who have lost a parent to domestic homicide.
We say fatal family violence to include other deaths in the context of family violence that are not deemed homicides (e.g. suicides).
We emerged from a participatory research project through the University of Melbourne, in which young people and adults with lived experience of losing a parent to intimate partner homicide as children, were interviewed by the research team (including a member of the team who is a person with lived/living experience). The interviewees were also caregivers, and professionals who worked closely with these children.
The Network is a supportive, diverse group of adults of all ages, who acknowledge the life-long impacts of fatal family violence, and the need for support at different stages of life. We currently offer opportunities to connect with others who have experienced the devastating loss of a family member (including chosen family) to fatal family violence. We run an informal monthly online meet-up for anyone who has lost family to fatal family violence, or who cares for someone who has lost a loved one to fatal family violence. We may also be able to offer opportunities to collaborate on research initiatives and advocacy efforts. Our intention is to be able to offer more support and connection for children and young people, and are open to discussions of how we can support children and young people through our network.
For those with lived experience who want to connect with the Family Homicide Peer Network:
For other enquiries or collaborations regarding the Family Homicide Peer Network:
Support services
Homicide Victims Support Group – Homicide support | Not specific to FV homicideQueensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group (QHVSG) is a community support service organization that has been providing care, counselling, case management and court support to the loved ones of homicide victims for over 30 years.https://qhvsg.org.au/contact-us/
Grace’s Place | For children, but not specific to FV homicideGrace’s Place is the world’s first residential trauma centre for children and young people affected be homicide and those who support them. Named Grace’s Place in honour of the late Grace Lynch, the mother of Anita Cobby, the Centre is an initiative of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Ltd. Grace’s Place provides affected families both the immediate assistance after a homicide, and meets the need for ongoing support services and networks as they navigate the future. Access to Grace’s Place services are available at any stage in the grief and trauma journey | Read more
Parkerville Children and Youth CarePilot program for Children (18 years and under) who have been impacted by homicide in WA. They offer psychological support, group support and parent/guardian support | Read more
AngelhandsNot-for-profit organisation that provides therapeutic assistance to people affected by extreme trauma. Founded by a woman who lost her children to homicide | Read more
Feel the Magic | Offers a range of support programs designed to help children cope with the loss of a loved one.They provide a nurturing environment where children can express themselves and receive the support they need. They offer early intervention programs for kids aged 7-18, who are experiencing pain and isolation due to the death of a parent, guardian or sibling. They have suicide specific programs as well. There is no cost to families to attend programs (they run programs all over Australia) | Read more
Resources
‘What Remains’ is survivor-led support for women and families affected by perpetrator suicide.
It is the first resource of its kind, providing peer support, information, and advocacy for women and children whose experience of domestic abuse includes the death by suicide of a perpetrator. Recognising perpetrator suicide as part of a continuum of coercive control. What Remains centres survivor voice and supports families navigating the distinct and complex aftermath of these deaths.
‘In Their Name’ is a peer led resource and support hub for those bereaved by any kind of homicide. It was born from love, loss, and the belief that no one should have to navigate homicide loss alone. In Their Name offers stories, companionship in grief, advocacy, and runs online peer circles.
Stories and experiences
What Ally Needs Now (eBook) | 2026 | FREE Access A children’s storybook, co-created with people with lived experience of losing a parent to intimate partner homicide. The book is designed to support children navigating grief, silence, and stigma after fatal family violence. Access to the e-book version is FREE.
More info and acknowledgments
Life After Intimate Partner Homicide: Children and young people bereaved by parental intimate partner homicide reclaim their stories (eBook) | 2025 | FREE digital access Request print copy This book of autobiographic stories focuses on the experiences of children and young people bereaved by parental intimate partner homicide, often highlighting their journeys to reclaim their stories, navigate grief, and deal with complex legal, social, and emotional aftermaths.
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This spotlight page is brought to you through the Family Violence Sexual Violence Project, a collaborative partnership between the four peaks.
