In this workshop, Kathleen O’Hara presents a unique seven-stage model developed to address violence. Based on her book, A Grief Like No Other, her model addresses how to survive the violent death of a loved one. Her book documents how she experienced the murder of her son, Aaron, in 1999, and includes her subsequent work with other survivors of violence (murder, vehicular homicide, drunk driving, suicide, drug overdosing, domestic violence, and war and terrorism).

The new model introduces seven stages that collectively represent a journey across the ocean of grief: They begin with the telling and writing of the story and include discovering specific qualities needed for safe passage, building a support network, knowing what to expect the first year, understanding the long-term consequences of grief, using creativity, and, finally, embracing possibilities in the new world. The workshop is designed for those working in victim services and related fields, as well as anyone who works with survivors of violence.

(National Crime Victims’ Rights Week takes place nationwide April 22–28. For more information: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ncvrw/welcome.html.)

Kathleen O’Hara, MA, has appeared on NPR, CNN, and other local radio and television stations to promote her book, A Grief Like No Other, which documents her work. She has presented at the Nova Forum for “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in Washington DC, The National Organization of Victims Assistance, The World Society of Victimology, The Texas Victims Services Association, and The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Kathleen is active in the victims’ rights movement nationally and internationally. She lives in Philadelphia where she writes, teaches, and maintains a private practice.