Beyond the First Anniversary
This guide has been written by members of Disaster Action, who have all been
involved in disasters such as Zeebrugge, King’s Cross, Lockerbie, Hillsborough,
Dunblane, Southall and Ladbroke Grove. Members also include families bereaved by
the 11th September attacks in the United States. Our aim is to enable you to
understand the longer term effects of disasters, the sort of ongoing legal
processes and other issues that many people face after disaster and
organisations that can help.
The Role of Family Liaison Officers
You may have had support from police Family Liaison Officers and other
authorities after the disaster. Their contact may have declined in the months
after the disaster, though Family Liaison Officers are likely to remain in touch
with you about the course of any investigations, events such as anniversaries
and other disaster-related procedures. Family Liaison Officers may be a useful
referral point for other sources of information and advice.
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Financial Issues
From our experiences, we know that many of the legal procedures set in place
after a disaster can seem lengthy, bureaucratic and impersonal. Claims for
compensation, applications to disaster funds and other financial systems can be
both complicated and difficult to understand, especially when experienced for
the first time. Lawyers may be able to help. We have sometimes found that
talking with others who have experienced the same or other disasters and are
facing similar procedures can be helpful. Although Disaster Action is unable to
provide legal advice, we will be familiar with the issues and make suggestions
about what you can do.
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Other Ongoing Legal Procedures
The legal and political aftermath of disasters is such that there may be many
investigations by different agencies and these often take a very long time.
These can include a public inquiry, inquests, Health and Safety inquiries, civil
prosecutions and criminal trials. Where a disaster involves victims from more
than one country, investigative procedures can be complicated by differing
international systems and involve agencies such as embassies, consular
departments and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Family Liaison Officers and other authorities should keep you informed and
up-to-date with ongoing developments and procedures. Again, we have found that
talking with others who have experienced the same disaster or similar disasters
may be able to help. Members of Disaster Action have experience of both UK and
international disasters and the legal aftermath.
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Continuing Media Interest
In the build-up to the first and subsequent anniversaries, the media are
likely to take an interest in those bereaved by or survivors from a disaster.
You can prepare for this in advance by deciding whether or not you might wish to
participate in interviews or other media-driven activities. If you have access
to a Family Liaison Officer, they may be able to help by filtering requests.
Some people have also found it helpful to have their own family spokesperson or
produce their own short statements/photographs for the media. This will help to
give you more control over what goes out.
In the longer term, some individuals and support groups have found that the
media can be allies in highlighting ongoing concerns and issues associated with
disaster. It is possible to produce press releases from time to time and it can
be useful to keep contacts and build up working relationships with responsible
media personnel. While this may be useful, it is important always to remember
that you may not have control over the final content, interpretation and context
of any communication.
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On the Question of ‘Closure’
It is often assumed by others that as time passes those who have survived
and/or are bereaved by disaster should ‘recover’ in neat phases, return to
‘normal’ and be able to put ‘closure’ on their experience. Such assumptions and
comments often feel inappropriate and unhelpful to those with first-hand
experience of disaster, reflecting the views and expectations of others rather
than being sensitive to how it really feels.
Many people affected by previous disasters have talked about finding a
different or ‘new’ normality and have found that in the longer term relatively
few people can understand or share their experience. Some get support through
family support or survivor groups; for others, longer term counselling or
therapy may also help. It is not abnormal or unusual to have flashbacks or need
specialist support from time to time over several years.
Although the direct experience of disaster is universally traumatic, the
normal emotional and physical reactions usually diminish over time. If they
persist or even intensify, it may be appropriate to refer to specialist help.
Details of specialist support services are listed below.
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Support groups and caring organisations
Disaster Action
Charity who members have all been bereaved in or have survived a
disaster. Shares common experience and provides support and guidance to
those affected by disasters. PO Box 849, Woking GU21 8WB. Telephone:
01483 799 066.
: :
www.disasteraction.org.uk
The Traumatic Stress Clinic
Specialists in PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Provides
assessment and therapy for those who have been affected by traumatic
events such as disasters.
73 Charlotte Street London, W1T 4PL Tel: 020 77530 3666.
ASSIST Trauma Support Trust
Offer support and self help in surviving trauma.
The Penthouse, 11013 Bank St. Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 2QE.
Trauma Support Line Answer Service: 01788 560 800. Office: 01788 551
919.
Cruse - Bereavement Care
Offers counselling, advice and opportunities to meet other bereaved
people throughout the UK. 126 Sheen road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1UR.
Tel: 020939 9530. To talk to a counsellor telephone 08457 585565
(Monday-Friday 3pm - 9pm).
Victim Support
Offers practical help and advice and emotional support to victims and
their families following crime. (Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm).
Cranmer House, 39 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DZ Tel: 020 7735 9166.
: :
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Maudesley Hospital - The Traumatic Stress
Project
Provides a clinical service for people suffering from psychological
distress or disorder. (PTSD) Mon-Fri. 9.00am-5pm.
De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF. Telephone: 020 7703
6333.
Samaritans
Will refer callers to local branches (listed in telephone books)
offering a 24-hour service to all those going through a personal crisis.
10 The Grove, Slough, Berks. SL1 1QP. Tel: 01753 532713.
: :
www.samaritans.org.uk
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