Improper handling of blood and bodily remains poses severe health risks, including the potential transmission of diseases like Hepatitis B and C. Inadequate personal protective equipment during crime scene cleanup can lead to serious health consequences, and OSHA has strict regulations for employees exposed to such hazards. Family members or co-victims may struggle to protect themselves effectively, risking exposure to biohazards. Non-professionals cleaning crime scenes often dispose of hazardous materials improperly, endangering themselves, residents, sanitation workers, and the community. Additionally, survivors of homicide may face significant mental health issues and trauma during the cleanup process.
After a murder, individuals who have lost a loved one to homicide often face a variety of biopsychosocial challenges. For instance, they are more than three times likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population. These survivors are also susceptible to complicated grief, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and other mental health issues. Experiencing multiple traumatic events can intensify symptoms, complicating the healing process.
Research indicates that implementing prevention strategies to minimize adverse effects after trauma is effective. From a public health standpoint, preventing trauma in victims and survivors is a crucial and justifiable goal that warrants our focus. The enduring traumatic consequences for a survivor involved in cleaning up after a loved one's homicide should not be underestimated.
