Kane County revamps support group for relatives of homicide victims
After hosting a meeting where no one showed up, the Kane County state's attorney's office has revamped its Homicide Support Group for people who have lost family and friends to murder, DUI crashes, drug overdoses and uncharged cases.
The group began about 25 years ago in the 1990s when gang violence was rampant in Aurora, but attendance had steadily declined during the last 6 to 12 months from the ideal number of 15 people.
"That forced us to sit down and say, 'What's going on here?'" State's Attorney Joe McMahon said Tuesday during his monthly media briefing.
Before, it would be an open discussion, but now - with help from Kane County Diagnostic Center Director Dr. Alexandra Tsang - each session will begin with a specific topic and a clinical psychologist will guide the session.
A county prosecutor also will be on hand to answer questions about the legal process.
McMahon said some topics will include coping mechanisms and how to deal with significant dates, such as birthdays or an anniversary of the death.
"People go through a range of emotions. Sometimes it's anger and hatred, sometimes it's sorrow and sympathy," he said. "Some people are there because someone in their family killed someone else in their family."
Officials say people may attend even if the crime was outside of Kane County. Also, people may attend if no charges have been filed or no one has been prosecuted in the crime.
Childcare is not available and officials say the meetings are not designed for children.
While no amount of counseling or therapy can help a person fully recover from a loss, McMahon hopes participants can adjust to their new normal.
"To me, that would be a successful outcome - somebody who finds some amount of peace after going through a tragedy," McMahon said.
Meetings are 7 to 9 p.m. at the first floor jury room at the Kane County Judicial Center on the last Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September and November.
The group is free to attend, but does require a one-time, preregistration for planning purposes.
For more information, visit here.