An Unsafe World: Secondary Victimization of Bereaved Families in Cold-Case Homicides -A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Cold case homicide investigations leave families with unanswered questions and prolonged psychological distress. Cold case homicides impose prolonged psychological, emotional, and social strain on bereaved family members, who must cope not only with the traumatic loss itself but also with uncertainty and the ongoing absence of justice. Despite increasing scholarly attention to secondary victimization, limited research has examined bereaved families’ long-term interactions with law enforcement in unresolved homicide cases. This qualitative study explores the experiences of 13 family members of homicide victims in Israel whose cases remain unsolved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal a persistent dynamic of mistrust, emotional detachment, and perceived negligence within interactions between families and law enforcement. Participants reported feelings of abandonment, secondary trauma, and institutional betrayal, which exacerbated their grief and contributed to ongoing psychological burden. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed police practices and improved long-term support mechanisms for families in cold case contexts.