Join us in

Support

of our loved ones

Recovering From Trauma

Trauma is a deep emotional, psychological, and physiological response to a distressing or disturbing event. It can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, manifesting in various ways like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. On the other hand, grief is a natural response to loss, often tied to death or a significant life change. While both trauma and grief can coexist, trauma tends to be more persistent and disruptive, affecting one's ability to function in daily life, whereas grief, while intense, can eventually be processed over time.

Families impacted by police violence often find themselves grappling with both trauma and grief. The sudden loss of a loved one can lead to profound grief, while the violent circumstances of their death can create lasting trauma—anxiety, distrust, and a feeling of constant fear or vulnerability. Additionally, these families face not just the emotional toll of the loss, but also the systemic and societal challenges that come with fighting for justice and recognition.

Healing from such intense experiences requires time, support, and a variety of coping strategies. Here are some approaches that can help families on the path to healing:

  1. Therapy and Counseling: Professional support is invaluable. Seeking out a trauma-informed therapist can guide individuals through the complex emotions they experience. You can explore counseling options to find support groups or individual counselors specialized in trauma recovery.

  2. Relaxation and Mindfulness: Practices like nature therapy, art therapy, meditation, and journaling can help ground individuals in the present moment and reduce stress. Engaging with nature or creating art can provide emotional expression and relief, while journaling and meditation can create space for introspection and healing.

  3. Support Networks: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, such as advocacy groups or online communities, can help provide validation, support, and shared experiences.

  4. Physical Care: Sometimes, trauma and grief can manifest in the body. Gentle movement, like yoga or walking in nature, can help release tension and bring balance to both body and mind.

Remember, healing is not linear. It's a personal journey, and seeking help, in whatever form that takes, is an essential first step.

Support for Impacted Families

We understand that coping with the aftermath of police violence can be an overwhelming experience, and no family should have to navigate it alone. That’s why supporting families is one of our key mission areas. We offer the following support, and we welcome ideas for other ways we can help.

  1. Individual PNWFC family members are willing to talk one-on-one, meet for coffee, help you navigate the unimaginable situation you are suddenly experiencing.
  2. We have monthly Zoom meetings on the third Saturday of every month to connect with our family members and our supporters. Losing a family member to police violence is an isolating experience and we want you to know you aren’t alone.  We work to share our stories and plan activities to support others and advocate for change.
  3. We plan and enjoy social and nature activities to join families in healing.  We have weekend retreats to Menucha Retreat and Conference Center near Portland, we have family afternoons in a nature park, and we have holiday potlucks to connect and celebrate.
  4. We are working to grow our financial assistance opportunities for expenses that arise from the loss of your family member; contact us for more details.
  5. We have educational and advocacy opportunities.  We are all learning things we never wanted or needed to know but that will help us support other families and advocate for change.
Contact Us Today

Aligned organizations working for justice and support for families