Giving Aid and Comfort to Crime Victims : A variety of groups offer financial help and emotional support to those whose lives have been torn by violence. : City Smart / How to thrive in the urban environment of Southern California

It wasn’t enough that Solina Sea’s husband was gunned down in front of their three children. Now, she will lose the family’s travel business and their home.

Like many victims of violent crime, Sea’s life has been torn apart. She can’t bear to return to the Long Beach business where her husband was shot to death in October, and she cannot afford to pay the $1,500 mortgage payments on their three-bedroom house.

Life is tough enough without problems like these, but there are places to turn for help.

Throughout California, organizations help victims of violent crimes with financial aid and emotional support. Knowing where to turn can ease the financial burden and make a tumultuous time a little less traumatic.

The following are some of these organizations and the assistance they provide.

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The state Victims of Crime Program offers thousands of dollars to help pay for burial expenses, lost wages, counseling, job retraining and the financial support lost when a family provider is seriously injured or killed.

Those who have been attacked and those who have suffered because a family member was injured or killed in a violent crime are eligible to apply. Money is available to those who have already tapped insurance carriers and other available sources for help.

Established in 1965, the program is the largest of its kind in the nation, distributing about $90 million each year to nearly 100,000 victims in California.

In some instances, the program will pay up to $46,000 to needy victims over two years.

“In many cases we pay for lost wages ,” said program spokesman Curt Soderlund.

Victims are often put in contact with the organization through the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

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Justice for Homicide Victims offers emotional support to anyone whose loved one has been murdered.

The Los Angeles organization was founded by Ellen Griffin Dunne in 1984 after her daughter was strangled. Volunteers work to educate legislators and the public about victims’ rights and offer emotional support to victims on an individual basis and in monthly meetings.

“Most people don’t have a clue what to do when a loved one is murdered,” said treasurer Marcella Leach, whose 21-year-old daughter was slain in 1983.

Leach responds to hundreds of phone calls each year at the organization’s hotline. She often recommends other agencies that victims can contact for help, and she puts victims in touch with others who have experienced similar catastrophes.

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Parents of Murdered Children and Other Survivors of Homicide is a national organization devoted to helping survivors grieve and endure court trials. Several Southern California chapters help locally.

The groups often invite victims to monthly meetings for emotional support and members accompany them to court during difficult trials, says Jana Shinkle, who heads the San Gabriel Valley/Pasadena chapter.

“We help newcomers because we know what they’re going through,” says Shinkle, whose 15-year-old granddaughter was kidnapped, raped and stabbed to death six years ago.

At the chapter’s monthly meetings, members talk and allow newcomers to discuss their feelings. Shinkle says that’s the most important opportunity members can provide.

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Loved Ones of Homicide Victims specializes in helping survivors grieve by offering the support of state-licensed therapists free of charge. The organization sponsors group therapy for children, teens and adults, and provides individual and family counseling.

“We let people know they’re not in this alone,” says case manager Yolanda Ervin.

The Los Angeles nonprofit organization offers group therapy on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

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Drive-By Agony offers emotional support and referrals to other organizations. The Lynwood-based organization, founded by Lorna Hawkins after her son was slain, helps 200 victims each year.

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Getting Help

These groups offer support to victims of violent crimes:

Financial Support

The state Victims of Crime Program--(800) 777-9229.

Locally contact The Victims of Crime Program through the L.A. County district attorney’s office--(213) 974-7499.

Emotional Support

Justice for Homicide Victims--(310) 457-0030.

Parents of Murdered Children and Other Survivors of Homicide--(513) 721-5683.

Loved Ones of Homicide Victims--(213) 777-7788.

Drive-By Agony--(310) 537-8018.