Advocacy and Public Engagement

ISMS engages in survivor informed advocacy to ensure that families impacted by murder suicide are represented with accuracy, dignity, and care. Through conference presentations, podcast conversations, and collaboration with organizations working in prevention, postvention, and survivor support, we contribute lived experience to broader conversations surrounding this loss.

We welcome invitations to speak, collaborate, or contribute to ongoing conversations. If you would like to connect with us, please reach out through our Contact page.

Below are examples of our advocacy and public engagement to date.

April 8, 2026

Michael represented ISMS at the Training the Mind Series™ on April 8 at Intuit Dome, where conversations on mental health and performance were brought directly into a professional sports setting ahead of the Clippers vs. Thunder game. The event featured a live panel, on-court engagement, and recognition of leading organizations including the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We are encouraged to see mental health conversations continue to expand into spaces like professional sports, helping reach broader audiences in meaningful and visible ways.

March 15,2026

We had the opportunity to present to Coastal Therapy Group, where we introduced the work of Impacted Survivors of Murder-Suicide. We spoke to the realities survivors face in the aftermath of this kind of loss, including the complexity of grieving someone who caused harm, the impact of stigma and silence, and the gaps that often exist in traditional support systems. Grounded in lived experience, we highlighted the importance of survivor led, peer support and the role of postvention in long term healing. This conversation helped deepen understanding and opened the door for more compassionate, informed care for survivors within clinical spaces.

February 3, 2026

Region 7 Suburban Northwest Behavioral Health Collaborative-Crisis System Enhancement Work Group

Through our partnership with the Region 7 Suburban Northwest Behavioral Health Collaborative Crisis System Enhancement Work Group, we began engaging with the group in February and continued by attending March’s meeting, listening and learning alongside system partners. In connection with Dr. Denise Dailey, we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of these conversations, offering a survivor informed perspective while gaining insight into how crisis and postvention efforts are carried forward in communities. These early connections are an important step toward thoughtful collaboration and continued learning as we work to better support survivors over time.

January 15, 2026

ADAMHS Board of Montgomery County Advisory Council and LOSS Team meeting.

We were honored to be invited by the ADAMHS Board of Montgomery County to join their Advisory Council and LOSS Team monthly meeting. During this conversation, we introduced the work of Impacted Survivors of Murder-Suicide (ISMS), shared the unique needs of survivors navigating this complex loss, and explored how survivor-led, peer support can complement the critical, on scene response that LOSS Teams provide. This meeting marked a meaningful step toward strengthening collaboration, deepening understanding, and building a more connected, compassionate network of support for survivors across communities nationwide.

January 11, 2026

Mental Health Discovery & Recovery with Mary Joye, LMHC

Mary Joye welcomed Michael and Tina where they discussed the complexities and challenges surrounding murder-suicides, emphasizing the lack of a common profile and the importance of addressing mental health and access to weapons. They highlighted the need for open conversations, support for those affected, and the role of organizations like Impactedsurvivors.org in providing resources and a safe space for survivors. The conversation also touched on personal stories, the impact of trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental health, advocating for increased awareness and understanding.

December, 2025

In December 2025, ISMS was honored to co present alongside Dr. Denise Dailey, Psy.D., at the APA Division 19 Regional Symposium Series hosted by Adler University in Chicago, with virtual participation from around the world. This international gathering of psychologists, researchers, and mental health professionals created a meaningful opportunity to bring survivor voices into conversations focused on military and veteran communities. Our presentation centered the lived experiences of families impacted by murder suicide while exploring intersections with military related trauma, including post-traumatic stress, identity disruption, moral injury, and isolation. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Dailey for her partnership and for creating space for these often overlooked and complex conversations as part of ISMS’s ongoing commitment to trauma informed awareness, prevention, and postvention.

November, 2025

In November, we were grateful to join Juliet Huck on her podcast Trial, Trauma, Transformation for a rare and deeply thoughtful conversation. The episode centered on the lived reality of murder-suicide loss and the unique grief carried by families of the person who caused harm. We spoke openly about love, complexity, and the long process of finding language for experiences that are often met with silence or misunderstanding. Juliet held the space with care and intention, allowing for honesty, nuance, and humanity, and reminding us why these conversations matter for survivors, professionals, and anyone seeking a more compassionate understanding of trauma and transformation.

October, 2025

In October 2025, Michael Vinton was featured in an in depth Voyage LA interview where he shared his personal story, the origins of ISMS, and the mission that guides our work. Michael spoke openly about the challenges of navigating grief, the need for survivor led support, and the importance of creating compassionate spaces for those impacted by murder suicide. The interview highlights the heart behind ISMS and our commitment to healing, education, and community. Click the link to read the full interview.
Inspiring Conversations with Michael Vinton of Impacted Survivors of Murder-Suicide – Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide

September, 2025

In September 2025, Impacted Survivors of Murder Suicide joined the Mental Health News Radio Network, the world’s largest podcast network dedicated to mental health conversations. Through our podcast, Unspoken Grief: Finding Strength in Silent Struggles, we are proud to stand alongside more than fifty voices working to expand understanding, reduce stigma, and uplift lived experience. This partnership strengthens our commitment to advocacy, community, and ensuring survivor stories are heard with compassion and respect.

Please click link to view press release.

Unspoken Grief Podcast Launches on Mental Health News Radio Network to Support Survivors of Murder-Suicide Loss – Mental Health News Radio Network

September 12, 2025

On September 12, 2025, we were honored to return as presenters at the Impact Suicide Conference. Our session, Challenging Myths with Compassion: What Survivors Want the World to Know About Murder-Suicide, invited participants to look beyond stigma and sensationalism to hear directly from lived experience. Together, we explored how to identify and challenge common myths, apply survivor-informed perspectives, and communicate with compassion and accuracy. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our voices, raise awareness, and continue shaping conversations that bring truth, dignity, and humanity to this deeply complex issue.

May 7, 2025

United Suicide Survivors International Webinar

The ISMS team was honored to partner with United Survivors for a heartfelt webinar on the unique grief that follows a murder-suicide. We’re grateful for the space to share our lived experience and introduce the mission behind our organization.

April 24, 2025

24th Annual Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Conference

The ISMS team had the privilege of presenting at the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Conference to a full room of advocates, professionals, and survivors. We shared our stories and mission, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and support after murder-suicide loss. The response was a powerful reminder of how needed these conversations are.

To learn more about our experience, check out our blog! Go to the Conference – Impacted Survivors

December 15, 2024

Recently the ISMS team had the privilege of joining Dr. Christine Malone on her inspiring podcast Good Grief Podcast. We shared some of our stories, and how we are turning our grief into a support system for others.

December 3, 2024

Michael had the opportunity to reconnect with his longtime friends, Laura and Scott, on their podcast, The Only One In The Room Podcast. During their conversation, they delved into Michael’s profound loss and the journey he has been navigating over the past few years, embracing the challenges and growth that have shaped his experience.

November 18, 2024

Michael and Tina had the privilege of joining the lovely Nina Rodriguez of Grief and Light | Podcast, Grief Support, Community on her podcast for a discussion on navigating grief and stigma after a murder-suicide loss.

October 23, 2024

On October 23, 2024, the book entitled, “Untold Stories of Murder-Suicide” came out on Amazon. Two of our Core Members, Tina C. and Michael Vinton, took part in this collective series along with a few other loss survivors. We hope this book provides a path for others to feel not so alone in their grief, but also to allow them to walk boldly out of the shadows. You are not alone. We are here for you.

October 6, 2024

Mental Health America of Illinois hosted ISMS on their Podcast, MHAI TALKS, to discuss all things Murder-Suicide Loss.

Click on the button below to listen and find out more about the unique grief model for our type of loss.

September 13, 2024

On September 13, 2024, we had the distinct honor and privilege of participating in the IMPACT Suicide Conference. During this significant event, we shared our thought-provoking presentation titled “Murder-Suicide: The Combination No One Wants to Talk About.” This experience was not only important for raising awareness but also provided a vital platform for discussion surrounding this often-overlooked topic

“The breakout room I attended for Murder/Suicide Survivors was really amazing, it brought awareness and education on this topic that was so clearly needed.”

— conference planning committee member at IMPACT Suicide Conference 2024

Get in Touch

Interested in connecting with us? We welcome you to share your thoughts and stories. Your voice matters, and we are here to support you on your journey of healing and hope.

SUPPORT IMPACTED SURVIVORS

Your donation is more than a gift—it’s a lifeline.

When you give to ISMS, you provide critical support to survivors of murder-suicide as they navigate trauma, grief, and the stigma that often follows. Your generosity helps offer safe spaces, healing resources, and community. Together, we can raise awareness, restore hope, and remind survivors they are not alone.