Circle of Hope (COH) has been created to be a voice for
the survivors and friends of murder victims. Brenda McKnatt created Circle of Hope in June 1998,
after suffering the loss of her firstborn child. She is surviving the devastating loss of her loved one and still suffers
the continued emotional trauma of coping with the after affects of murder
such as police, media and the criminal justice system.
Our No. 1 goal is to help our members and our communities combat violence and its effects on our families and communities.
Purpose of Circle of Hope:
To provide information about the criminal justice system.
To education the community regarding the issues faced by the surviving families and friends of murder victims.
To provide accompaniment and support to co-victims as they go through the criminal justice system.
To assist in preventing the release or parole of offenders.
To provide emotional support to family members who are working through the devastating loss of a loved one to murder.
To provide regular support meetings and to provide information about the grieving process.
To assist co-victims in restoring a sense of control to their lives.
Provide accompaniment and support to families of homicide victims as they go through the criminal justice system. If requested we can serve as advocates and
act as liaison between families of homicide victims and the media, police and other members of the criminal justice system.
Distribute flyers, wanted posters, reward posters etc. on unsolved crimes.
Work with families of homicide victims in organizing special services for the birthday and Angel date.
