Most people experience the distress of the death of a close relative, but very few are ever involved in the exceptional circumstances of a death due to state violence and neglect, and the subsequent investigation and inquest. That process can be retraumatising and it often proves very hard to ascertain the exact circumstances of the death. The cases we come across highlight appalling individual and systemic treatment of people in state detention, often linked to class, ethnicity and gender.

Advice provided by casework ranges from coping with emotional wellbeing, legal information, what to expect at an inquest, help with supporting children (including liaising with schools) and dealing with the media. Our casework service reduces isolation amongst families, provides expert advice (including legal) & supports, and equips them with the means to participate in the legal processes triggered by the death of their loved one. We also provide family support & peer support online platforms.