These are some of the common problems our members have encountered when their loved ones were the victims of murder or manslaughter abroad:
- The additional distress caused by the geographical distance between where we are and the place our loved one was killed
- Cultural differences
- Translation and communication difficulties
- Lack of (up to date) information about the investigation, trial, sentencing or release
- No single UK agency being set up to take responsibility in the UK or which is proactive
- Being kept informed by the UK authorities when applicable
- The expense and difficulty of engaging a lawyer abroad and attending a court case or legislative procedures overseas
- Exclusion from UK Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority scheme (CICA) because the death occurred outside the UK, and outside British Embassy grounds abroad
- Difficulties with travel insurance and repatriation of our loved ones body or personal effects
- Unfamiliarity with the place where our loved one was killed
- Not being able to visit initially or later, due to financial or other restrictions
- A lack of care and support for those traveling with our loved one, including our own care after the murder
- A lack of confidence/doubts about the post mortem (if your loved ones body is found) or doubts about the competency of the investigating authorities