Families are forced to undergo permanent changes that are difficult for any surviving members to cope with. The victim's family may experience major changes in members' roles and be forced to undergo major transformations to rebuild the family unit. Family members will now face more “at-risk” choices that could include suicide, drug abuse and alcoholism. There is abundant clinical evidence indicating that following a homicidal death, family members are at risk of developing prolonged and dysfunctional psychological reactions. And since the nearly 30,000 annual homicides in the United States affect between 120,000 and 240,000 relatives and other survivors, the magnitude of these numbers suggests that homicidal bereavement represents a serious public health problem. Specialized treatment is needed for families and others affected by the homicide to help reduce the long-term psychological effects. California offers a victim/witness program that provides help. However, the program lacks effectiveness due to lack of funding and often remains unused. The National Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has established programs to provide model programs for states to follow (Saindon). Even years later the families of the victims are subjected to post dramatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the families are still grieving the loss. The facts prove it