Survivor Stories
Survivor Stories: Documentary, Media & Interviews
Aftermath of Murder: Survivor Stories Documentary Series
Aftermath of Murder: Survivor Stories (AOM) is a production by the BC Victims of Homicide, an initiative of the BC Bereavement Helpline and corporate partner Shaky Egg Communications Inc. where homicide survivors can tell their stories in a way that is meaningful for them.
Funded by the Department of Justice for National Victims of Crime Week 2013 & 2014, the 18 short-form documentary video series has reached over 2.3 million viewers and has been integrated into university curricula as an important real-life educational tool.
Created & Co-Produced by Brent Stafford & Christopher Ducharme.
*View: all 18 Survivor Stories
Real Stories of Homicide Loss, Unfiltered by the Media
Storytelling and sharing our experiences can be an essential part of healing.
No homicide is the same, and neither is grief.
This series brings you the real-life stories of Canadians who have courageously chosen to share their experiences of homicide loss in their own words and from their own perspectives—unfiltered by the media. You will hear about the diverse challenges victims and families face at different stages of life and learn how homicide loss can affect relationships, identity, parenting, work, mental health, anniversaries, justice, and the ability to move forward. Most importantly, you will see that there is no single way to grieve.
For those who have not personally experienced homicide loss, it can be difficult to understand the depth and complexity of what survivors and families go through. Friends, colleagues, and even communities may not know what to say or how to respond. Sometimes, this uncertainty leads to distance and disconnection—creating another layer of trauma for those already struggling with loss.
This platform is a way of sharing with the public and our relatives and acquaintances what type of support is helpful and needed as we navigate grief and trauma.
Through Their Stories…
One of the most meaningful outcomes of this production has been hearing from participants who describe a sense of validation and relief in finally feeling heard. Having the opportunity to tell our stories the way we choose can be deeply empowering—particularly after an experience in which so much may have been taken out of their control.
We hope these stories contribute to a more compassionate, sensitive, and inclusive society—one that listens to survivors, recognizes the complexities of homicide loss, and understands that healing does not follow a prescribed path.
We also hope these stories can become a resource for public education, social education, and media education.
If you have ideas about how these videos could be integrated into educational programs, community initiatives, professional training, or media education, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us and share your ideas.
“If the BC Victims of Homicide support program had existed in Vancouver during the early stages of my grief, it would have alleviated so much stress, confusion, and heartache. I often wished there was a place I could recommend to others walking this painful path — a source of guidance, comfort, and connection. Through sharing my personal journey and gathering supportive resources, this website hopes to offer survivors a sense of understanding, healing, and hope.”
~ Christopher Ducharme, Past President of the British Columbia Bereavement Helpline and Founder of BC Victims of Homicide
Ducharme in the Media: My Story, My Voice
An interview article invited by Angela Marie MacDougall of the Battered Women’s Support Services Society. Click HERE to read the full newsletter on Page 2.
Vancouver Sun Interview (Front Page & Full Page)
A Government of Canada production of Christopher’s Journey. Funded by the Department of Justice Canada for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (2013) – Ducharme was a Spokesperson for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
Rick Hansen 25th Memorial Documentary Series: Difference Makers. Acknowledged as one of the featured 25 of 7,000 Medal Bearers selected by CTV. Filmed & Produced by Robert MacAskill and narrated by Lloyd Robertson.
Shaw Studio 4 (Part 1) – Board Member, BC Bereavement Helpline, Christopher Ducharme, speaks with Host Fanny Kiefer about helping people whose families have been touched by violent crime. Christopher would like to see a greater support network to help people through family tragedy. Reached over 2 million viewers.
Shaw Studio 4 (Part 2) – Board Member, BC Bereavement Helpline, Christopher Ducharme, speaks with Host Fanny Kiefer about helping people whose families have been touched by violent crime. Christopher would like to see a greater support network to help people through family tragedy.
A short introduction of our family’s memorial drone video documentary on Galiano Mountain, Galiano Island, BC where our mother’s ashes were spread and a memorial stone was placed to honor her life.
This podcast shares my personal journey of forgiving my mother’s killer, Brock Graham. For me, forgiveness is about healing—not condoning or excusing what happened.
Through the stages of forgiveness, I discovered a deeper level of self-love and compassion that helped me survive and move forward. His release in 2026 is separate from my decision to forgive. Public safety remains paramount.