CALGARY – The mothers of two young men both killed by acts of violence have joined together to launch a support group.
Devin Venables, 18, died in 2002 after being punched during an altercation he tried to walk away from.
Joshua Hogarth, also 18, was stabbed to death by a friend in 2012.
On Wednesday, their mothers Karen and Debbie announced the creation of the Calgary Homicide Support Society.
The society will operate a peer support group that is open to all family members, over 18, of homicide victims. It will be facilitated by a forensic psychologist who will offer expertise in mental and emotional health, as well as the criminal justice system.
“Families of homicide victims are known to experience unique emotions and need different types of support when coping with the death of their loved one,” explained a news release.
The group is made possible with a grant from Alberta Justice and the Solicitor General Victims of Crime Fund.
Membership is free, and the first meeting will be held in late June.
For complete details on registering for the group, visit the Calgary Homicide Support Society website.
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