A Family Perspective
Dorit Braun
Retired Charity Chief Exec with personal experience of a coroner’s inquest
• what families want from a Coroner’s Inquest
• our journey and experience
• the importance of involving bereaved people to be involved throughout the inquest process
Dorit shared her family experience following the tragic death of her daughter-in-law. Her presentation covered some important messages, including:
- think about how your statement might feel to families
- the term "inquest" is frightening to families, they felt they were going to be judged
- it's important to understand it's a court of truth and not blame
- understand that the experience is distressing for families and how you behave in court matters to them
Asked what organisations should have in place for family liaison, Dorit said; you can apologise without admitting blame, put things in writing to express what you are having to do, why and how the family can be involved, and listen to see if you can learn.