The Family Services Center program supports victims of violent crimes in North Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – For people who’ve lost a loved one to homicide, grief doesn’t just go away with time.

The Family Services Center, a partner agency of the United Way of Madison County, has a program that aims to support those family members and friends navigate life after loss.

Joshua Rivera is the coordinator of the Homicide Survivors and Crime Victims Program (HSCVP).

In addition to loved ones of homicide victims, the program, which was originally called the Homicide Survivors Program, recently expanded to include victims of other violent crimes like robbery, vehicular manslaughter, domestic violence, hate crimes and bullying.

That expansion came thanks to a grant that renewed back in October, and it allowed them to add “Crime Victims” to the name of the program.

At HSCVP, Rivera said their mission is to provide practical intervention and support following these crimes.

Those services include grief support and counseling, monthly support groups and special events honoring loved ones.

The program also provides victims’ advocacy and helps them navigate through the criminal justice system.

HSCVP’s services are free to crime victims who live in 13 counties in north Alabama: Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston.

For more information on HSCVP or if you want to get involved with the program, click here or call (256) 551-1610.

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