GRIEVING FOR SUICIDE AND POSTVENTION IN THE MILITARY POLICE

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses relevant aspects of the grieving process experienced by family members of military police officers killed by suicide and the institutional responses provided by the Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro (PMERJ). We conducted ten interviews with family members of police officers killed by suicide. This data was part of a study on suicide and occupational risk carried out between 2010 and 2012. From the narratives we highlight five main factors, three that are specific of this type of death, such as, (i) differences in funeral rituals compared to other types of deaths, (ii) the importance of transparency in the investigation of the causes of these deaths, (iii) the absence of specific policies for these family members. Besides that, we highlight (iv) changes in family dynamics after the relative death, and (v) families' difficulties and facilities in accessing rights. Finally, we argue for the inclusion of this group in the promotion of mental health institutional policies.