History

Victims of Homicide is a self-help group designed to offer emotional support and information about surviving the loss of a loved one to murder. The group was founded by Joyce and Noel Farion in 1995, the year after their son Scott was murdered. It is patterned after Parents of Murdered Children in the U.S.A.

Why Are We Here?

• To provide ongoing emotional support needed to help parents and other survivors deal with the pain of their loss and rebuild their lives.
• To provide a meeting place where bereaved persons can come together on a regular basis to share their grief and recovery.
• To share information about the grief process and the criminal justice system as they pertain to survivors of a homicide victim.
• To communicate with professionals about problems faced by survivors.
• To increase society's awareness of the problems faced by survivors.

Homicide Rates in Canada

According to Statistics Canada, in the wake of a 13% increase in 2004, the national homicide rate increased 4% in 2005, reaching the highest level in almost a decade. Most of the 2005 increase was attributable to a rise in homicides in Ontario and Alberta, as police reported 658 homicides last year, 34 more than in 2004. Edmonton had 44 homicides, 10 more than in 2004, resulting in Edmonton having the highest homicide rate among all census metropolitan areas (CMAs), at 4.3 per population of 100,000. Edmonton's rate was at its highest since 1981, when CMA statistics were first collected. Regina, Winnipeg and Saskatoon reported the next highest rates.

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