Murdered Abroad

Murdered Abroad exists especially for people in the UK whose loved ones are the victims of murder or manslaughter overseas. Murdered Abroad is run by volunteers, all of whom have been bereaved by a homicide abroad.

Peer Support

Murdered Abroad was established in 2001. Our strength lies in regular contact via the Helpline and email contact, together with members getting together at quarterly regional meetings. Speaking to others who have experienced a similar tragedy alleviates much of the isolation families feel following a homicide abroad. Meetings allow the exchange of ideas and experiences whilst supporting each other. Membership is free and confidential. We also operate a dedicated telephone support helpline.

Few victims’ families or friends have previously experienced dealing with the statutory agencies either here in the UK, such as the FCDO, Police in England & Wales, or Coroners/Coroners’ Officers, or abroad. Families are often required to navigate foreign legal and judicial systems, police, language and cultural barriers, whilst coping with extreme grief and possible financial difficulties. Distance, time differences, communication delays and inadequate communication channels all add to the burden faced by families. The practical information, guidance and peer support provided in the weeks, months and years following a death helps members and their families cope and survive their traumatic loss.

Our Campaigning

Over the last 20–25 years, Murdered Abroad has engaged with the relevant statutory agencies including the FCO/FCDO, ACPO, NPCC, NCA, UK Police, MoJ, Coroners and Parliamentarians regarding the issues faced by bereaved families. This campaigning work has led to a number of positive developments.

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Murdered Abroad submitted proposals during the Coronial Reform consultation and successfully opposed the removal of mandatory inquests where a British national has been murdered abroad and the body repatriated.

With the support of Lord Falconer and legal representatives, Murdered Abroad was instrumental in the development of the Memorandum of Understanding introduced in 2012. Following further discussions and updates in 2020 and 2022, the document was revised and approved by the NPCC, FCDO and Chief Coroner’s Office. It is now titled:

‘Murder or manslaughter of British nationals abroad: organisational roles and responsibilities’.”