Families are forced to undergo permanent changes that all surviving members struggle to cope with. The victim's family may experience major changes in the roles of its members and be forced to undergo major transformations to rebuild the family unit. Family members will now be faced with more “risky” choices that could include suicide, drug and alcohol abuse. There is considerable clinical evidence indicating that following a homicide death, family members are at risk of developing sustained and dysfunctional psychological reactions. And with the nearly 30,000 annual homicides in the United States affecting between 120,000 and 240,000 loved ones and other survivors, the scale of these numbers suggests that homicidal bereavement represents a major public health problem. Specialized treatment is needed for families and others affected by homicide to help alleviate the long-term psychological effects. California has a victim/witness assistance program. However, the program lacks effectiveness due to lack of funding and often remains unused. The National Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has established programs to provide models for states to follow (Saindon). Years later, the victims' families are subject to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and still suffer from this loss. The clear facts show