The boundaries of victimhood have received increasing attention in criminology, particularly considering the recent proliferation in 'trauma talk' or 'trauma creep'. Noting the connections between victims and trauma, there is now increasing recognition of the impact of victimisation, not only on individuals, but upon families, communities and cultures with its effects extending across time, place and person. Following David Garland's assertion of the 'return of the victim' 15 years ago, the interests of victims have moved to centre stage of the criminal justice system with the experiences of some taken to be representative of others. While this has encouraged an appreciation of the extent of suffering in victimisation, it is easy to understand how we might 'lose sight of the individual victim'. This research presents a qualitative study of the phenomenon of bereaved family activism. Findings presented in this thesis are based upon 15 in-depth interviews and participant observations with Mothers Against Violence: a Manchester-based charity that emerged in response to an intense period of gun violence and ensuing community outcry in the 1990s. The aim of this thesis was to explore how victims have confronted and mobilised their experiences of lethal violence to promote acknowledgment and prompt recognition. By refocusing on the individual and foregrounding the victim, this thesis asked how those involved understand, make sense of and give value to their experience in light of their role in Mothers Against Violence. Data collected was analysed through thematic analysis, remembering the embedded nature of such stories in cultural, historical and biographical contexts, communities and the research exchange. Findings are presented as a way of following the stories of individuals to the moment of collective action. The primary contributions of this thesis can be summarised under the following headings; firstly, applications of 'trauma' in victimology; secondly, understanding victim movements such as Mothers Against Violence as spaces for emotional, social and practical learning; thirdly, conceptualising victimisation as one moment in a series of 'turning points'; and fourthly, the role of stories in prompting recognition, encouraging identification and assembling communities.

Background: Suicide is a common cause of death and mental illness is the main reason why someone decides to end their life. Many family members are left in sorrow after these dramatic changes. Research shows that people who have lost a relative in suicide are more likely to become depressed. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe how relatives experience losing a relative to suicide. Method: A literature-based study was used to investigate how relatives experience losing a relative to suicide. The results were analyzed by using a qualitative content analysis comprising five steps. The analysis resulted in three themes and eight subthemes. Results: The result showed that the initial response to the suicide is shock and confusion. They experienced a hard time understanding what have happened and needed support to cope. Society's stigmatization made it hard to move on. Finally they have to accept the unacceptable in order to continue their lives. Conclusion: The relatives got into a traumatic crisis when they first heard of the suicide. They experienced problems with their mental- and psychical health. They need a lot of support to find strategies for managing their grief. Nurses play a major role in helping them in their grief, giving them comfort and finding professional support. / Suicid är en vanlig dödsorsak i Sverige. Beskedet om att någon valt att ta sitt liv kommer ofta plötsligt och utan förvarning. Här lämnas en stor andel närstående såsom familj, vänner och kollegor som ofta är oförstående för vad som inträffat och oförmögna att hantera beskedet. Examensarbetet fokuserar på vad som händer med de som lämnas kvar efter att någon de älskat valt att ta sitt liv. Vid ett vanligt dödsfall så sker det ofta mer odramatisk och det kanske är förväntat att personen ska dö. När en anhörig begår en suicidhandling blir den drabbade närstående kvar med ilska, skuld och frågor som inte kan bevaras. Självmordet kan ske på dramatiska sätt som innebär en svårare sorgehantering för de som efterlämnas. Risken för att drabbas av psykisk ohälsa är större för de som upplevt ett trauma och för att förebygga ett lidande hos de närstående behöver sjukvården fånga upp dem och ge dem de verktyg de behöver för att bearbeta sin sorg. Examensarbetet baseras på 10 kvalitativa vetenskapliga artiklar, där författarna till studien plockat ut fynd i resultatet för att belysa studiens syfte som är att beskriva närståendes upplevelser av att förlorat en anhörig i suicid.  I resultatet framkommer det att de närstående går igenom en traumatisk kris, upplever stigmatisering från samhället och att det har ett stort behov av support. Genom denna studie kan sjuksköterskor få en större insikt för hur närstående upplever förlusten av en anhörig genom suicid och med hjälp av det lära sig mer om krishanteringen för att kunna bemöta den patientgruppen genom att ge tröst och lindra lidanden.

Thesis (M. Div.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-67).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Regent College, 1999. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 203-217).

No description available.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 232-238.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 213-226).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 2004. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-110).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1992. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 341-352).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-116).