Can Postvention Be Prevention?

Background. There has been recent interest in postvention activities which involve provision of support to family members and others affected by a suicide death. Aims. To review the current status of postvention support, including definitions used and the objectives and effectiveness of support activities for people bereaved by suicide. Methods. Selected controlled studies of support activities and programs are reviewed with narrative comment. Results. Not applicable. Conclusions. Effective postvention support can be viewed as contributing toward suicide prevention among those people who are bereaved by suicide. Further development of support programs is needed.