Gap analysis

A review of the literature shows that only 9 of the 15 mass victimization events resulted in recommendations or lessons learned for supporting those affected by the event. Instead, the recommendations and lessons learned primarily focused on changes that could prevent similar events or allow the investigations to run more smoothly. Although these recommendations are important, we note the following areas that will benefit those affected by mass victimization events should they happen in the future.

Recognition of the wider circles of impact

There is increasing recognition that mass victimization events impact more than the primary victims. In fact, family members, close friends, witnesses, broader communities, and responders can all experience significant mental health and wellbeing impacts from mass victimization events. Responders include individuals working in public safety, the justice system, and the healthcare sector (Government of Canada, 2016). As such, recommendations and lessons learned to support victim mental health should be expanded to all affected people.

Inclusion of psychosocial needs in simulation exercises

Although active shooter preparedness training was recommended (e.g., the Moncton attack), there was no discussion of including the psychosocial needs of affected persons in the training. Currently, preparedness efforts for mass victimization events focus primarily on ensuring physical security and providing physical care to victims and the community. However, it is essential that planning exercises such as table-top simulations incorporate considerations for the psychosocial needs of all affected groups. Ideally, such planning could use standardized templates that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of individual communities and cultural groups (Collins et al., 2022).

Identification and adaptation of extra-jurisdictional practices

Many countries have experienced a higher frequency of mass victimization events than Canada. It is therefore critical to identify and analyze global practices and lessons learned in other jurisdictions. These practices could then be adapted and tested within the uniquely Canadian context (Gabbe et al., 2022).

Age, disability, and culturally appropriate supports

Many of the recommendations in the literature referred to “victims” or “affected people”. However, the diversity of Canadians means there is a need for diversity in the supports offered. Specifically, supports should be provided that are appropriate for age, ability, and culture. For instance, the specific needs of Canadians with disabilities are often overlooked, despite their increased vulnerability during such events. This vulnerability may be exacerbated by factors such as power outages, limited mobility, and heightened fears related to their safety.

Furthermore, culturally specific supports and recommendations must be developed to address the intersectional identities of Canadians. These identities include, but are not limited to, Indigenous identity, racial and cultural identity, membership in the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, socioeconomic status, geographic location (rural, urban, or Northern), age, sex, and gender.

Identification of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offering support services

An asset that was not included in the recommendations was the use of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) when responding to mass victimization events. NGOs can play a vital role in providing victim-centred support in the immediate, short-term, and long-term aftermath of mass victimization events. Including and coordinating with NGOs could provide affected persons with greater, and possibly, faster support after a mass victimization event. We do, however, note that there is a Directory of Victim Services, managed by Justice Canada, which lists overs 800 victim services providers who work with victims of crime (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/vsd-rsv/index.html).

Long-term aftermath of mass victimization events

The recommendations include in this review focused on the immediate and short-term impacts of mass victimization. However, it is essential to develop and implement long-term support strategies that address the ongoing physical, mental health, and psychosocial needs of primary victims, their families and close friends, witnesses, communities, and responders in the public safety, justice, and healthcare sectors (Government of Canada, 2016).