OAM Awards - what is all about and the Nominating process.

MARTHA JABOUR OAM

 Martha Jabour has been the Executive Director of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Inc. since 1993. She was employed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine in 1993 to coordinate and set up the support group, providing counselling, support and referrals for the family members of homicide within the counselling section.

The Homicide Victims’ Support Group was founded in June 1993 when the parents of Anita Cobby and Ebony Simpson recognised the very real need for an organisation which could offer counselling, support and information to families and friends of homicide victims throughout NSW.

After the death of her second son, Michael in 1986 to cot death Martha trained as a grief and trauma counsellor and worked, both in a voluntary and paid position, with the Sudden Infant Death Association of NSW. Building on her experience within the areas of grief, trauma, policy development, strategic planning and crisis management.

In 1993 Martha was employed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine to co-ordinate and set up the support group, providing counselling, support and referrals for the family members of homicide that came to the Institute for assistance.

Her interests are to further promote victims’ rights and needs, with a special focus on crime prevention, particularly in the areas of domestic violence, mental health and juvenile justice.

Martha has been a strong driver in the building of Grace’s Place with the primary purpose to provide a unique place of healing and restoration for children and their families traumatised by homicide.

It will be a place where they may be guided to believe in themselves and their future.

In 2019 in recognition of her many years of tireless, selfless hard work and dedication she was awarded a Medal of the order of Australia for service to the community through support for victims of crime and in 2020 was also elected Honorary Secretary of The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch.